Haryana's Jhajjar Civil Hospital lacks specialists; patients forced to seek private care

Despite the state government’s claim of providing advanced medical facilities at district hospitals, the reality at Jhajjar Civil Hospital tells a different story. For the past three months, the hospital has no regular sonographer, forcing patients to get their ultrasound tests done at private diagnostic centres.

To make matters worse, the hospital also lacks a dermatologist and an ENT specialist, compelling many residents to seek even basic specialist care from private hospitals.

Although local health authorities have temporarily assigned a sonographer from the Civil Hospital in Bahadurgarh to manage the situation, she is available in Jhajjar only two days a week. On the remaining days, the patients have no option but to seek ultrasound services from private centres, often paying hefty fees for the tests.

However, the district health authorities have made arrangements for free ultrasound services for antenatal care (ANC) cases under government schemes. These services are being provided at two private hospitals in the district under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode to ensure that pregnant women do not face inconvenience.

“The issue has emerged because the Civil Hospital has been without a regular sonographer since the retirement of its only sonographer on November 30. While ultrasound tests are free of charge at the hospital, private diagnostic centres demand fees ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 900. Since the majority of patients at the Civil Hospital come from economically weaker sections, they are forced to shoulder these high costs,” said sources.

Sakshi, a housewife, said she had to get her ultrasound done at a private hospital for Rs 700, as the facility was unavailable at Jhajjar Civil Hospital when she visited with severe abdominal pain. The doctors on duty said no sonographer was available on that day to conduct the test, she added.

“The patients can get their ultrasound test at the nearest government hospitals in Bahadurgarh and Rohtak, but they tend to avoid them because of the travel required. Most prefer visiting local private hospitals for ultrasound tests so that they can get their reports and treatment on the same day,” said a doctor.

Raj Kishan, a resident, said “I have been suffering from a skin condition, but since no specialist is available at the Civil Hospital, I have no option but to consult private doctors. Their fees are high and the prescribed medicines are often expensive. The government must appoint a dermatologist at Jhajjar Civil Hospital.”

Dr Gurjeet Siddhu, Senior Medical Officer at Civil Hospital, Jhajjar, stated that a doctor from Bahadurgarh Civil Hospital visited Jhajjar every Monday and Wednesday to conduct ultrasound tests. “We have also written to the higher authorities requesting the deputation of a regular sonographer at the hospital,” he added.

The SMO also acknowledged non-availability of a dermatologist and an ENT specialist at the hospital.