Chitrakonda: The health centre in this panchayat of Malkangiri district was given the status of community health center (CHC) in 2011 and that of sub divisional hospital in 2017. At that time people of 18 panchayats were hopeful of getting better health facilities ahead.
That however did not happen, rather, a number of problems starting from poor infrastructure to vacant doctor posts have made the matter worse.
The hospital was accorded the status on the basis of area, human habitations and population. On an average, 60 to 70 patients visit this hospital on a regular basis.
In order to provide better health facilities, a Superintendent Doctor, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Pediatrician, a Medicine Specialist and an Assistant Surgeon posts have been sanctioned for this SDH.
Incredibly however one doctor, Dr Khirod Chandra Mahanta is managing the SDH. Prior to this, there were two doctors managing it. No one has been appointed for this post following the resignation of the doctor.
Similarly, the number of sanctioned pharmacist post is 10 but only two are there to run the hospital as the remaining eight, have gone on deputation.
The number of staff nurse is not satisfactory either. While the SDH is in need of more than 10 staff nurses, three posts have been sanctioned and out of the three, one post is lying vacant.
Sweeper’s post is also vacant and the hospital is running without a BPO.
The list keeps piling as the ambulance service is also haywire. While the 102 ambulance has been off the road for a long period, ‘Janani Express’ is doubling the shifts. The AYUSH doctor post has since transfer of the one been lying vacant.
It has been one year since the sub divisional hospital status was accorded to the health center and it is still struggling with endless problems.
Three years ago Chitrakonda was declared a block. The work charge of Korukonda, Kudumuluguma and Kalimela community health centers are yet to be transferred to the Chitrakonda SDH.
Female and male health workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers of six panchayats are depending on Korukonda CHC. Workers of two other panchayats are depending on Kalimela CHC and the workers of 10 other panchayats are still depending on Kudumuluguma CHC.
Locals allege in remorse that the health facilities they were once promised will forever be intangible. “Doctor posts are lying vacant. We are thankful of the lone doctor who is trying his best to serve us better,” said Sudhakar Das, a villager.
Echoing Das, Balaram Padhiari, another villager said, the SDH lacks in doctors and staff. At least, the staff on deputations should be brought back to ameliorate the situation.
PNN
