Villagers on fast over shortage of doctors, paramedical staff
The Kihar Civil Hospital, catering to more than 50,000 people from 12 panchayats in Chamba’s Salooni subdivision, is reeling under an acute shortage of doctors and medical staff. Having made repeated pleas for the appointment of doctors and support staff in vain, the residents have now turned to agitation. On Tuesday, they launched a hunger strike within the hospital premises to press their demand.
Currently, the hospital is being run with just one doctor—who is already under transfer orders—and a single staff nurse. At times, two other doctors are deputed temporarily, but residents say the arrangement is grossly inadequate for the daily rush of patients. On average, the hospital handles nearly 100 out-patient visits each day, leading to long delays and forcing many patients to travel to Chamba or other hospitals for treatment.
Kihar panchayat vice-president Virender Thakur, who is leading the protest, said the community had repeatedly requested the government to fill the sanctioned posts of eight doctors and other staff positions but their demands were ignored.
“The hospital is surviving only on the support of doctors on deputation. Currently, only one doctor, who is already under transfer orders, is working here, while two others are sent occasionally on deputation. There is just one staff nurse.
Patients visiting the hospital for checkups and treatment are left helpless, often forced to travel to Chamba or other hospitals. With no response from the authorities, we had no option left but to sit on hunger strike. This protest will continue until all sanctioned posts of doctors and nurses at the hospital are filled,” he said.
Senior Health Department Officials acknowledged the shortage but assured those higher authorities have been informed. “The matter has been taken up with the higher authorities. We are hopeful that the government will soon make permanent appointments to ensure better health services for the people,” said an official.
Himachal Tribune