Sambalpur: Sambalpur District Hospital Faces Severe Shortages; Critical Patients Sent to Burla
Sambalpur: The Sambalpur District Hospital is facing severe shortages in essential facilities and medical services. Despite multiple complaints and appeals from local residents, there has been no significant improvement in the hospital’s resources or services. Doctors treat minor injuries at the hospital, but they quickly refer any critical cases to Burla due to a lack of facilities. This situation has sparked criticism of the current government for not prioritizing healthcare.
Focus on Aesthetics Instead of Health Services
Instead of investing in healthcare improvements, the new administration focuses on giving government facilities a political makeover by painting buildings in party colors. Many residents feel that the current government, unlike the previous administration, is not taking steps to enhance the quality of healthcare services. This has raised concerns about the administration’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare to Sambalpur’s citizens.
ICU and Ventilator Shortages
One of the biggest concerns is the lack of ICU facilities in the district hospital, making it difficult to care for critical patients. Although there are ventilators, most have been left unused, with no proper maintenance or staffing to operate them. For example, twelve ventilators brought in during the COVID pandemic have been lying idle for over two years due to a lack of trained staff. As a result, patients needing intensive care are often sent to Burla or private hospitals, adding to the burden and expenses of their families.
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Lack of Doctors and Essential Medical Services
The hospital also suffers from a shortage of doctors in key departments, lacks ultrasound equipment, and provides minimal surgical care. Reports indicate that staff poorly manage food distribution to patients, which adds to the discomfort and dissatisfaction of those receiving treatment.
Past Promises and Current Neglect
Under the previous government, there were plans to convert the district hospital into a Trauma Care Center as part of the “Mo Daktarkhana” (My Hospital) initiative led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. “However, after the recent change in administration, the new leaders appear to neglect these plans. Critics accuse the new government of not following through on promises to improve healthcare, as it focuses on superficial changes.”
The community is calling for immediate action to improve the quality of healthcare services. There is a demand for hiring more medical staff, reactivating ICU services, and upgrading essential equipment. Local residents hope that the administration will prioritize these urgent needs over non-essential projects to provide better healthcare for all.
