Challenges Faced by Darrang's Health Services Office Amidst Relocation
Struggles of the Health Services Office in Darrang
Mangaldai, Dec 25: The Joint Director of Health Services office in Darrang, a crucial part of the district's public health system, has been facing significant challenges for nearly nine months. It's surprising that this vital government office lacks a visible signboard in the district headquarters.
This office was established in 1983 when Darrang district was formed, with Mangaldai as its center after the division of Sonitpur district. It operated from the Assam-type building of the former Mangaldai Civil Hospital until that structure was demolished for a new health initiative.
There were expectations that the government would construct a modern replacement for the old office, but those plans did not materialize. Recently, the office was vacated, and the building was torn down.
Currently, construction is underway for a new health project, the 'Critical Care Block' of Mangaldai Civil Hospital, costing Rs 23.75 crore, under the Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. This situation has jeopardized the district health department's operations.
Over 60 staff members hoped for a temporary alternative location to continue their work smoothly, but that did not happen. Consequently, the office's functions have been split into two locations: one part has moved to a 10-bed hospital of the Ayush department near the former office, while the other is at the data collection center of the Mangaldai Water Resources Department in Santipur, ward No. 3.
Since April, the first location has been handling accounts, bills, school health, and birth and death registrations, while the second site, located about a kilometer away, manages public health, vector disease control, and infectious disease prevention.
This division has reportedly made it difficult for staff to deliver essential services effectively. Allegations have surfaced that around 500 health workers who previously received their salaries through this office, along with the public needing services, often have to travel between the two locations.
Local residents are urging that the two separated sections of the district health office be consolidated on a single campus and that the construction of a new office building be prioritized without further delay.
By
Correspondent