Sambalpur: Health Minister Reviews Sambalpur DHH, Raises Concern Over Doctor Shortage and Referral System
Sambalpur: Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, the Health Minister, has expressed concern about the District Headquarters Hospital’s referral system. He stated that despite the fact that many doctor positions are open, simply referring patients to other hospitals is not a viable solution. The government is aware of the problem, and action will be taken soon to fill vacant doctor and paramedical positions. The minister emphasized that once the necessary medical personnel are in place, the referral issue will be resolved.
On-Site Review of Hospital Conditions
Dr. Mahaling paid a visit to the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital at 4:30 p.m. today. District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, CDMO Dr. Sujata Rani Mishra, SMC Commissioner Vedabhusan, and other health and administrative officials accompanied him. During the visit, the district’s doctor shortage was highlighted. Currently, only 24 of the 124 sanctioned doctor positions at DHCH are filled, leaving 100 vacant. In addition, only one of the five Assistant Nursing Superintendent positions is occupied. Only 71 of the 211 nursing officer positions are currently filled, and similar vacancies exist for pharmacists and lab technicians.
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Chronic Staffing Issues
This staffing shortage has gone on for a long time and has not been addressed. The Health Minister took note of the situation and directed the district health department to address it immediately. Other issues such as hospital infrastructure and drainage were also addressed. Special emphasis was placed on the need for a new hospital building, as treatment is currently being provided in an outdated medical facility. The minister was urged to modernize Sambalpur DHH, as other district hospitals have already received new facilities.
Overcrowded Beds and MRI Services
Sambalpur DHH, which has a capacity of 271 beds, now has 325 beds due to overcrowding. The minister promised that MRI services would be available at the hospital shortly. Furthermore, the minister was alerted to a doctor shortage throughout the district, not just at DHH.
Inspection of Health Services
Following the meeting, Dr. Mahaling examined the dialysis center, pediatric department, and maternity and child care units. Jayanarayan Mishra, a local MLA, and MP representative Nauri Nayak were also present during the visit.
