The health services in the district here have been affected badly with many posts lying vacant in various hospitals. It is a day dream for the poor tribals to get proper health services in the mineral-rich district. Ultimately, the innocent people have to depend upon the quacks and believe in black magic and other modes of superstition often at the cost of their lives.
According to the information obtained through RTI in the district, out of 201 sanctioned doctor posts of different categories, 57 posts have been lying vacant for more than last two years. Out of the 144 appointed doctors, 18 doctors are reported to be in long study leave and nine doctors have reportedly not yet joined their respective health centre so far. Many doctors after their transfer remained on leave and busy in their private practices at their old posting places. That is why many primary health centres (PHCs) are running hardly with a pharmacist or a health worker. Similarly, about 283 paramedical staff posts, including staff nurse, health workers (both male and female) ANM etc. are lying vacant.
According to the sources, the Centre has been spending a huge amount in health sector through different schemes. But it is unfortunate that the poor villagers of the district are yet to get sound health services. Day by day, malaria, asthma, cancer, leprosy, heart, kidney patients are increasing in the district due to many reasons, including pollution for massive industrialisation and mining works. But many of them are losing lives untimely due to absence of medical facilities. Now, lungs infected patients are rampant in the district.
While the State Government has failed to provide minimum health services to the rural people, many sufferers have to depend on the Rourkela Steel Plant- managed Ispat General Hospital. But day by day, its condition has been deteriorating gradually due to poor administration and staff crunch. So those who are moneyed men move to Bhubaneswar or other big cities for appropriate treatment, while the poor have to die.
Being an industrial district, the role of ESIC hospital should have been vital here. But the chance of opening of an ESIC Medical College and Hospital in the district has become remote because of the apathy of the State Government. Instead of Sundargarh, an ESIC Medical College and Hospital has been decided to be established at Bhubaneswar.
“Sundargarh is filled with minerals like coal, iron ore and manganese. Besides, 60% of its area is covered with dense forest. There are many industries in the district also, whose revenue contribution is high. But despite all these, there seems to be no end to the sufferings of the people in getting proper health services,” lamented a few concerned citizens here.