Govt. hospitals in Ballari facing shortage of doctors

Mangalore Today News Network

Ballari Nov 17, 2015 : At a time when the number of cases of dengue, malaria and chikungunya being reported are rising, government-run hospitals in Ballari district are facing severe shortage of doctors.

 

Against the sanctioned 240 posts of doctors, including District Health Officer, Programme Officers and Dental Medical Officers, only 115 doctors are working in these hospitals.

There are no Taluk Health Officers in Kudligi, Sandur and Hosapete, out of the seven posts sanctioned for the district.

In six general hospitals, 49 out of the total 70 posts are vacant. Similar is the case with 11 Community Health Centres where 29 out of the total 44 posts are vacant.

The condition of primary health centres (PHCs) was even worse. At the 80 PHCs, only 58 doctors are working while 31 posts are vacant. Sandur, among the other taluks, is facing severe shortage of doctors.

Of the total seven doctor posts in the PHCs, only two are working. Even the two doctors on duty are overburdened as they have been attached to two additional PHCs and have been managing them with great difficulty.

Of the 58 doctors working in PHCs, 22 are on contract basis, while two PHCs at Sri Ramarangapuram in Hosapete taluk and Hudem in Kudligi taluk are being managed by non-governmental organisations.

Sources in the Health Department told The Hindu that most of the MBBS doctors, appointed to PHCs on regular/contract basis quit the job on getting seats to pursue their post-graduation courses.

When contacted, G. Ramesh Babu, District Health Officer, said that the government would fill the vacant posts soon, with the process of recruiting doctors through the Karnataka State Public Service Commission being completed. Only issuing appointment orders was pending.

Meanwhile, the residents of Kolur village in Ballari taluk, on Monday under the banner of Raitha, Krishikoolikara Sangha, staged a demonstration in front of the District Health Office demanding that the post of doctor at their PHC be filled immediately. They also submitted a memorandum to Dr. Ramesh Babu seeking supply of medicine to poor patients.

 

Courtesy:The Hindu