Kalahandi's Healthcare Crisis: Over Two-Thirds of Doctor Positions Unfilled
Healthcare Services in Kalahandi Facing Severe Challenges
Bhawanipatna: The healthcare system in Kalahandi district is currently facing significant challenges due to a drastic shortage of medical staff. More than 66% of doctor positions remain unfilled, leading to critical gaps in various healthcare roles.
Official statistics reveal that out of 606 authorized doctor positions, only 199 are occupied, resulting in 407 vacancies—a staggering shortfall of approximately 67%. This staffing crisis affects multiple health categories, including Ayurvedic medical officers, nurses, community health officers (CHOs), pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and other essential workers. Of the 55 sanctioned Ayurvedic medical officer roles, only 41 are currently filled.
In the nursing sector, only 239 out of 356 staff nurse positions are occupied. For CHOs, 186 of 199 roles are filled, leaving 13 unfilled. The pharmacist sector is also facing shortages, with only 76 out of 90 positions filled. Male multi-purpose health supervisors (MPHS) have 46 out of 60 positions filled, while female MPHS or lady health visitors (LHVs) have only 17 out of 46 roles occupied—a deficit of 14 and 29, respectively. Laboratory technicians are similarly underrepresented, with just 29 of 55 posts filled. The radiographer sector is slightly better off, with 16 out of 19 positions filled.
On a positive note, male multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) are nearly at full capacity, with 181 out of 185 posts occupied. These staffing deficiencies were brought to light during a recent Zilla Parishad meeting, where Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Minatilata Das expressed serious concerns regarding the operational disruptions caused by these shortages. Kalahandi district is home to one district headquarters hospital, one sub-divisional hospital, 17 community health centers, 45 primary health centers, one urban PHC, four urban health and wellness centers, and 241 sub-health centers.
Officials have indicated that the lack of personnel is severely impacting service delivery and administrative efficiency across these healthcare facilities. The escalating crisis has raised alarm among local residents and officials, prompting calls for the state government to take immediate action to address the staffing shortages and enhance healthcare infrastructure in the district.