Sambalpur: Radiology Services in Crisis at Vimsar; Patients Face Long Delays Due to Staff Shortage
Introduction to Vimsar’s Significance
Sambalpur: In Burla, Vimsar is a critical healthcare center for thousands of people from 10 districts in western Odisha and also serves bordering areas of neighboring states Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Local people highly trust this institution for medical services, but they are disappointed by what seems like state government neglect. This lack of attention is evident in several departments, including radiology, where the absence of permanent doctors affects services significantly.
Challenges in the Radiology Department
Radiology plays an important role in disease diagnosis, but the department has been functioning without a permanent doctor for several months. This shortage affects both patient care and student training. According to sources, the head of the Radiology Department retired in May, leaving the department without leadership. As a temporary solution, the retired head has been asked to continue on a contract basis. The department currently employs one associate professor and three assistant professors, all of whom work on a contract basis. There are no senior residents, so the postgraduate intake has not increased. Every year, only two doctors graduate from this department.
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Impact on Patient Services
The Radiology Department handles X-rays, mammograms, various types of ultrasound scans, and CT scans. Every day, about 400 patients are referred for X-rays by doctors from different departments. However, only 300 patients manage to get their X-rays done daily, while others have to wait for the next day. Many patients who can afford it choose private clinics to avoid the delay. Similarly, for ultrasounds, 300 to 400 patients visit daily, but only 50 to 60 can be accommodated.
For CT scans, around 200 patients arrive daily, but only 100 to 120 receive the service. Thus, the Radiology Department struggles to meet the demand.
Current Status and Government’s Role
Meanwhile, the state government has designated Vimsar as an autonomous institution in name only, without providing regular staff appointments. The shortage of permanent doctors and staff significantly slows down patient services, raising concerns about the quality of care. When asked about the issue, Vimsar Director Dr. Bhavagrahi Rath stated that once regular staff are hired, these issues will be resolved.
