Specialist Doctor Shortage Hits Odisha, 74% Posts Vacant in Community Health Centers

Odisha's Health Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, recently revealed a concerning statistic in the state assembly. Over 74% of specialist doctor positions in state-run community health centers (CHCs) remain unfilled. To put this into perspective, out of 1,500 sanctioned posts across 375 CHCs, only 386 specialists are currently employed.

This alarming shortage of specialist doctors was brought to light in response to a query from BJD MLA Prasanta Behera. The severe shortage has significant implications for the state's healthcare system, particularly in rural areas where access to medical care is already limited.

In Deogarh, only one specialist doctor is working, despite 16 sanctioned positions. Similarly, Rayagada district, which has a tribal majority, has only three specialists for 44 sanctioned posts. Mayurbhanj district is facing an even more dire situation, with 88 specialist positions remaining vacant.

Other districts, including Ganjam (87), Sundargarh (66), Koraput (55), and Bargarh (53), are also grappling with significant shortages, ranging from 53 to 87 vacant positions, informed Mahaling. This shortage has resulted in critical deficits in healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Across the state, 5,014 out of 7,806 sanctioned doctor posts are vacant, which is about 64% of the total positions. Ganjam district is the hardest hit, with 450 vacant positions, followed by Mayurbhanj with 309 unfilled posts. Several other districts, including Balasore, Bargarh, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Koraput, Puri, and Sundargarh, also have over 200 doctor vacancies each. This shortage has resulted in a significant strain on the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas.

Odisha's community health centers are facing a severe crisis, with a staggering 6,128 doctor posts out of 9,306 sanctioned positions remaining vacant. This alarming vacancy rate of 66% has left many health centers understaffed and struggling to provide adequate healthcare services. The shortage is particularly concerning, given the crucial role that community health centers play in providing primary healthcare services to rural and underserved populations.

The Odisha government is taking proactive steps to fill vacant positions in the state through various recruitment channels. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is playing a crucial role in selecting candidates for these positions.

To address the shortage of doctors, the government is considering departmental promotions, contractual appointments, and recruiting specialists who have completed their post-graduation studies. Additionally, medics returning after completing their post-graduation are being considered for vacant specialist doctor posts, said Minister.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)