Dhenkikote: Healthcare is a priority sector for the government, but it has gone for a toss in the tribal-dominated Dhenkikote area under Ghatagaon block in Keonjhar due to shortage of doctors.
For the last five months, there has been no doctor at Dhenkikote PHC. We have to suffer a lot without getting treatment, lamented locals.
The PHC is now handled by a three-member team. Homeopathy doctor Tapaswini Nayak looks after patients while pharmacist Prashant Nayak distributes medicines. They are assisted by ANM Manasmita Mishra.
The area is malaria-prone. Every day, over 50 people, mostly tribals, turn up at the PHC. But many have to return without availing of treatment.
SORRY STATE
- For the last five months, there has been no doctor at Dhenkikote PHC
- The PHC is being handled by a three-member team
- Homeopathy doctor Tapaswini Nayak looks after patients while pharmacist Prashant Nayak distributes medicines
- The duo is assisted by ANM Manasmita Mishra
This month, five people hit by heatwave had visited the hospital so far, said Tapaswini.
When this correspondent visited the PHC, he found a nine-year- old malaria-hit tribal boy from Santrapur on drip and a woman from Langalkanti who had come for blood-pressure treatment. They were treated by the homeopath and pharmacist.
Lack of sanitation has been another issue at the PHC. But, surprisingly, it was awarded as No 1 in terms of healthcare in 2018.
Locals alleged that the CDMO is least concerned about the shortage of staff at the PHC. They have demanded immediate appointment of doctors to look after the healthcare here.