Rayagada district in Odisha is grappling with a severe healthcare crisis. Despite serving a population of over 11 lakh, the district has only 139 doctors on duty, while 320 sanctioned posts remain unfilled.
This alarming shortfall has severely disrupted medical services across the region. At the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), only 34 doctors are available to fill 126 specialist positions. Similarly, Gunupur Sub-Divisional Hospital operates with just 11 doctors out of 51 sanctioned posts. Community Health Centers (CHCs) in areas like Kashipur, Padmapur, and Muniguda face similar staffing gaps, with vacancies ranging from 50% to 80%.
As a result, many patients travel to neighboring Andhra Pradesh for emergency care, often spending beyond their means. In tribal-dominated villages, residents increasingly depend on traditional healers and herbal remedies, which sometimes lead to fatal outcomes.
The DHH also struggles with a lack of specialists in pediatrics, cardiology, radiology, dermatology, and ENT. Currently, one pediatrician handles thousands of children daily. Moreover, key administrative roles such as the District Public Health Officer and ADPHOs remain vacant, forcing junior doctors to shoulder additional responsibilities.
Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) V. Sarojini Devi stated that her office sends monthly vacancy reports to the department. She assured that new doctors would be appointed soon. Nevertheless, the rising patient load and shortage of beds and specialists continue to overwhelm the system.
Consequently, routine healthcare has become a daily ordeal for residents. Many fear that this ongoing crisis could result in preventable deaths and long-term health consequences if left unaddressed.
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