| SDH Bani faces staff shortage, sans basic facilities | | 60,887 souls rely on 5 doctors posted in hospital; 7 posts vacant | | Early Times Report
Bani (Kathua), July 4: The Sub District Hospital (SDH) Bani, situated in Kathua district, is facing severe challenges due to the shortage of medical staff and basic facilities, leaving the local residents in distress.
According to the accounts provided by the residents, the hospital lacks the necessary medical personnel, including specialists, to cater to the healthcare needs of the population. “The SDH Bani has a total of 12 medical officer positions, out of which only five are filled, including the Block Medical Officer (BMO). The remaining seven positions are vacant, leaving a significant shortage of medical professionals in the hospital,” residents told Early Times.
“Furthermore, the hospital has five specialist MBBS doctor positions, and all of them are currently vacant, including gynecologists, anesthetists, physicians, pediatricians, and orthopedics,” they added.
According to the residents the scarcity of medical staff has resulted in adverse consequences for the local population. “The availability of ultrasound services is limited to only one day a week, which is inadequate to address the medical needs of the patients. With a population of approximately 60,887 residents in Tehsil Bani, the current situation is dire, with an average of 100 patients visiting the SDH Bani's outpatient department (OPD) every day,” they added.
“The SDH Bani, which is more than 40 years old, suffers from a shortage of buildings and infrastructure. The hospital struggles to accommodate the patients, with multiple sections running in a single room. Despite the high demand for medical services, there is only one OPD available, causing overcrowding and inconvenience for both patients and medical staff,” residents said. Moreover, the absence of residential quarters for doctors has become a pressing issue. The doctors working in SDH Bani have demanded at least 10 residential quarters, while an additional 10 non-gazetted quarters are also required to meet their accommodation needs. “The lack of suitable living arrangements adds to the challenges faced by medical professionals in providing efficient healthcare services,” locals added.
“Transportation and referral services are also inadequate, with only three ambulances available in SDH Bani,” they said.
Residents demanded an increase in the number of ambulances to ensure timely and efficient emergency medical assistance.
Currently, the SDH Bani refers critical cases, such as delivery cases, to the District Hospital Kathua or GMC Jammu, which are situated approximately 154 kilometers and 235 kilometers away from Tehsil Bani, respectively. The long distances and delays in reaching these hospitals pose significant risks to the patients' well-being.
“Many patients are forced to seek treatment at private clinics or distant hospitals, such as GMC Jammu, due to the absence of specialist doctors in SDH Bani,” residents added.
“Our humble appeal to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Director Health Services Jammu, and DC Kathua, is to address our concerns urgently,” they said, adding, “SDH Bani needs to be provided with adequate medical staff, facilities, and transportation services. We hope the authorities will take note of our sufferings and address our genuine grievances.” |
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