Morada/ Kaptipada, June 15: Healthcare has reportedly been in a shambles for shortage of doctors and absenteeism in hilly and forested pockets of Morada and Kaptipada blocks in Mayurbhanj district.
According to reports, poor and tribal patients have to suffer a lot as doctors play truant at community health centres (CHCs) and other hospitals in Morada.
In many cases, people have no way but to trek miles seeking treatment at the district headquarters hospital at Baripada or unnecessarily spend on bus fare.
People of Dantiamuhan alleged doctors appointed at the local primary health centre (PHC) play truant most of the time.
“Doctors come only Thursdays and Sundays, that too for only two hours. On other days, the hospital is found locked. Doctors conduct health check-up of patients only twice a week,” said the locals.
On those two days, a large number of patients turn up for treatment, while accident victims have to return frustrated, locals lamented.
Hambira Murmu, community health officer, admitted that doctors turn up for only two days a week at the PHC.
Medical officer-in-charge of Dantiamuhan PHC, Dr Ranjan Mohanty said, “It is not possible for me to come to the PHC daily as I have to go to Kisantandi PHC Fridays and Saturdays.”
Locals also alleged an abandoned house on the premises of the PHC has been a shelter for antisocial elements.
The healthcare scenario is more or less the same in Kaptipada block. There are 31 health sub-centres under Kaptipada CHC. Three of the sub-centres do not have buildings while construction of buildings for eight others is in progress.
Four sub-centres are in a dilapidated condition. As a result, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) do not feel safe to stay there.
As ANMs remain absent at the sub-centres, pregnant women are deprived of emergency treatment, locals lamented.
Dr Jayant Parida, medical officer of Kaptipada CHC, said all ANMs have been asked to stay at sub-centres. “If any ANM is not staying at the centres, action will be taken against her,” Parida added.
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