Rourkela: During any high-profile health emergency, the burden always comes to the already overstretched Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). This pressure will possibly be reduced if all the hospitals under the Urban Health Mission (UHM) share the burden of RGH. However, this is not happening. There are 10 such hospitals, all strategically located in different parts of the district like Bandhamunda, Panposh, Koel Nagar, Chhend, Basanti Colony, Baughat, Sector-6 and 16, Fertiliser Township and Gopabandhupalli. The sole purpose of these hospitals is to cater to those staying close to these hospitals or in the periphery.
Most of these are well-maintained and manned by regular staff. However, the irony is these are unable to reduce some of the burden of RGH. “It is a fact that these are not so well-equipped like RGH but have more than the basic facilities. Still, these hospitals have failed to attract patients thereby increasing the burden on us,” said a doctor at RGH. The in-charge of Urban Health Mission Dr Pushpamitra Mishra, who superannuated Friday, said, “Actually we have been able to lessen the dependency on RGH. We may not have indoor facilities here but we have two observation beds which are operational.”
Another health expert at RGH said, “People do not prefer these hospitals. In fact, during the diarrhoea outbreak, there was provision of beds at Panposh UHM hospital. But people did not go there. The main problem is lack of adequate number of doctors and other paramedic staff there.” Besides, the patients are not ready to consider consulting AYUSH doctors, observed another doctor. These hospitals are all neat and clean. Basic facilities like blood tests and dressing of wounds are also available. However, for more specialised treatment one will have to go to RGH.
Patients are visiting RGH for minor diseases instead of going to these health centres. “We receive patients with common fever, cold and cough. They could easily avail the services at the UHM hospitals, but they don’t go there,” said a doctor at RGH. His suggestion was to spread more awareness regarding these hospitals at the local levels through ASHAs and ANM professionals. “They are the people who are always in touch with these people and they believe them. If we are availing the services of the retired doctors at RGH why not hire many such professionals living in the city for these hospitals. Perhaps then only the burden here will reduce,” he suggested.