Sambalpur: Doctors Busy with Private Practice, Patients Referred from DHH to Burla, Patients Suffer
Sambalpur: A concerned son shared, “My mother suddenly fell down… she can’t speak now. Please take her to Burla immediately. There’s no facility at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).” The doctor on duty in the outdoor department advised, “Immediately shift her to Burla; we don’t have the necessary treatment facilities here.”
After the son filed a complaint with the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), the elderly woman was admitted to the DHH for treatment, which began after a CT scan. Her doctor diagnosed low sodium levels in her body. She had previously been to the hospital for a broken hand after falling three days prior, but was referred to Burla for surgery because DHH couldn’t handle it.
Routine Referrals from DHH to Burla
Almost every day, patients are referred from DHH to Burla, even for minor cases. There are frequent complaints about patients being transferred to Burla despite doctors being available at the hospital. Many believe this is done to avoid responsibility, but no doctor or the Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) has been held accountable for this. As a result, the referral rate continues to rise.
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Lack of Accountability Raises Concerns
The DHH in Sambalpur has two medicine specialists, two surgeons, and three gynecologists, but regular patients are frequently referred elsewhere. Sameer Ranjan Babu, president of the BJP’s Farmer Wing, expressed concern today and filed a complaint with the CDMO. Following receipt of the complaint, the CDMO intervened, and the patient was admitted to DHH. However, how many people will continue to file complaints against the CDMO for such cases?
DHH’s Surgery Ward Almost Empty
At times, more than half of the hospital’s beds are unoccupied. A senior doctor attributed this to the frequent referrals. Even after hiring specialists, the referral rate has not decreased, which is unfortunate. Many DHH doctors are allegedly involved in private practice, including ADMO (Medical) Alekh Mahapatra, who reportedly spends the majority of his time at his private clinic. According to local residents, this has resulted in poor patient care, and there is an urgent need to address the issue.
CDMO Intervenes, Calls for Accountability
Dr. Sujata Rani Mishra, the Chief District Medical Officer, stated, “The patient was admitted to the hospital today after I instructed the doctors.” But why am I always forced to intervene? This is the ADMO’s (Medical) responsibility. He must handle these issues. Despite repeated instructions to the doctors, nothing appears to have changed. What can we do if no one takes responsibility?”
