Critical Shortage of Healthcare Staff at Goroimari PHC in Assam
Healthcare Crisis at Goroimari Primary Health Centre
Goroimari PHC in Assam's Barpeta district is battling a severe shortage of doctors & healthcare staff (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, July 6: The Goroimari Primary Health Centre (PHC), located in Assam's Barpeta district, is facing a critical shortage of medical personnel, with only two doctors available to serve a daily influx of 200 to 300 patients. The facility operates from an old, tin-roofed structure.
This increasing patient volume has raised alarms among local residents and health officials, who express concerns that the lack of staff is compromising the quality and promptness of healthcare services at this vital government health center.
The PHC caters to thousands in Goroimari and nearby Baghbar, yet it is severely understaffed, lacking both trained nurses and support personnel.
Authorities at the hospital report that the shortage of staff has disrupted regular services and placed significant stress on the current workforce.
Dr. Hafijur Rahman, a medical officer, noted that the situation becomes particularly dire during the summer months when seasonal illnesses lead to a surge in patient numbers.
"I have been here for 15 years, with a couple of transfers along the way. During summer, we see a notable rise in patients. We handle around 200 to 250 patients daily, in addition to antenatal check-ups and health initiatives like the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign. The workload has become overwhelming," Rahman explained.
He emphasized that the limited number of staff makes it challenging to provide sufficient care to each patient.
"Since April, we have treated over 8,000 patients in just three months. We appeal to the Health Department for more personnel to ensure proper medical care," he added.
Staff members indicated that the situation deteriorates further when one of the two doctors is assigned to field duties, leaving only one doctor to manage the entire outpatient department.
"With just two doctors, managing 200 to 300 patients daily is unfeasible. If one doctor is on field duty, the remaining doctor must handle the entire OPD. We need at least two more doctors and additional nurses," a staff member stated.
Additionally, the staff reported that maternity services at the PHC have been halted due to a lack of nurses, compelling expectant mothers to seek delivery services elsewhere.
Beyond staffing issues, the facility's aging infrastructure poses another significant problem.
Staff have pointed out that the decades-old tin-roofed building is in a state of disrepair, with leaks occurring during heavy rains.
"The condition of the hospital's tin roof is alarming. Even a single heavy rain spell leads to water leaking into the building," a staff member remarked.
The Hospital Management Committee and medical staff have urgently requested the Health Department to send additional doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers. They have also called on the newly elected local MLA to prioritize the renovation of the aging facility to enhance healthcare services in the region.