Denizens of Khariar met the Nuapada district Collector on Monday and demanded immediate filling up of vacant posts of doctors in the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Khariar.
"Posts of medicine specialist, surgery and paediatrician are laying vacant since a long time. A child specialist who is the Medical Officer in-charge is busy with official works. As a result, more than one lakh people who depend on the CHC are in trouble," they argued.
listening to the citizens, Collector Dr Poma Tudu said that she was well aware of the situation and trying her best to fill the posts, but was helpless, because no one is willing to join in the district.
“Find a specialist, if anyone in your contact, we are ready to pay Rs 2 lakh per month,” said the Collector. The denizens, who hoped that their demand would be taken care of, felt frustrated. "We thought that the Collector is powerful and can address the problems of people, but we see your helplessness," expressed a member.
About 50 denizens, including leaders of different political parties, like Adhiraj Panigrahi, Sanjay Tiwari, Manoj Pattnaik and members of Khadial Yuva Morcha which led the forum to meet the Collector were present. Giving an ultimatum, the citizens said that Khariar public would resort to protest and all the Government offices at Khariar would be locked if posts are not filled up immediately.