Bijay Charak
Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 7: Unavailability of specialists at District Hospital Doda is forcing the five lakh population of the district to rush to government Medical College & Hospital Jammu. Reliable sources informed Early Times that former as well as current Health Minister of the PDP-BJP government transferred one after another specialist doctor from the Doda hospital. "Many times delegations belonging from different areas of the district met local MLAs regarding filling of vacant posts of doctors in this hospital. But it seems that the legislators from the district, despite belonging to the ruling party, are helpless in providing better healthcare facilities to the people. The issue was raised in every District Development Board meeting, but to no avail," sources said. One each specialist post of Ophthalmology, ENT, Radiologist, Pathologist and Dental was sanctioned by government for the Doda hospital. But for the last three years, all the posts are lying vacant. Other posts sanctioned including Junior Grade Anaesthetist, Ortho, Radiologist and Blood Bank Officer all also vacant. Besides, out of 20 Medical Officer posts sanctioned to the hospital, 13 are still vacant.
Rashid Hussain, a local resident, said that nearly five lakh population of district Doda which is completely dependent on the hospital, is suffering. Interestingly, there is Radiology equipment in the district hospital, but in absence of a Radiologist, locals have to spend thousands of rupees to get ultrasounds and X-rays done from Jammu or adjoining districts. "Patients belonging to far flung area of the district visit the hospital for treatment, but due to non- availability of specialist doctors here, the doctors available refer them to adjoining districts or GMC Jammu for best treatment", Rashid said. He said no doubt a numbers of doctors are not willing to work in rural health institutions because of their private practice, but it's the responsibility of government to frame a policy to make it mandatory to serve for a few years in rural areas. Director Health Services, Jammu and Medical Superintendent, Doda were not available for comments. |
