Gania: Gania community health center (CHC), the sole healthcare address for 10 panchayats under the block in Nayagarh district seems to be in shambles, thanks to the apathy of the authorities concerned.
Hundreds of patients, everyday have to return without treatment due to shortage of staffs.
At present, four out of five sanctioned doctors’ posts are lying vacant. Moreover, medical officer remains absent half the day. Only one doctor, on deputation, is left to manage the centre.
The posts of a medical officer, gynecologist, pediatrician, an orthopedic and a MBBS doctor have been sanctioned for the CHC. While, two AYUSH doctors and a medical officer do visit the hospital, they hardly do any good to the patients.
Just to manage the scene, doctors from other primary health centers (PHCs) in the block are brought here on deputation, leaving the situation only to go worse.
In September, 2015 the chief district medical officer (CDMO) directed the doctor posted at Chhamundia PHC to go to Gania CHC on deputation.
Similar is the condition of Chhamundia PHC in the block. An ANM posted four years ago at this PHC, has been doing duty at Gania CHC, thanks to currying favour by higher officials, leaving the PHC to be run by a lone pharmacist.
Another PHC at Rasang in this block is also marred with same problems. Worse, it does not have its own building and is functioning from Bapuji Yuvak Sangha building in the village.
Probe revealed that the building of Rasang PHC has been left half constructed even as fund for its construction was sanctioned.
Similar is the situation of Adakata PHC. Villagers alleged that they have never seen the AYUSH doctor on the PHC premises and the PHC is being run by a pharmacist only.
Fed up with the longstanding health problems, the residents of Gania block are likely to resort to a mass agitation in coming days.
When contacted, CDMO Fanindra Kumar Panigrahi replied that he has nothing to do as the whole district is facing shortage of doctors.
PNN