Shortage of docs hits services at ECHS clinic

Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

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Hoshiarpur, August 17

Two months on, ex-servicemen of Hoshiarpur have been facing difficulty in getting treatment at the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic due to shortage of doctors.

Only one specialist doctor is available at the ECHS, Hoshiarpur, against the sanctioned strength of seven doctors. On an average, 300 to 400 patients visit the clinic daily, but absence of doctors forces them to travel to private hospitals to get medical help.

Representatives of the United Front of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement say they have written to the authorities many times, but to no avail.

Sgt. Buta RS Jaswal, president, United Front of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, said, “There is also an acute shortage of life-saving medicines at the ECHS. Patients have to purchase medicines from local market.”

They have now written to the Defence Minister and chiefs of Army, Air Force and Navy, requesting them to look into the problem.

Colonel Taranjit, the officer in charge of ECHS, said, “Three doctors have been appointed and one of them would be joining on Monday. Others will join after August 25.”