100-bed Jogindernagar Civil Hospital has only four doctors

The 100-bed Civil Hospital in Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district has only four doctors against the sanctioned strength of 19, thus creating a healthcare emergency and raising serious concerns among residents and public representatives.

The critical shortage of medical staff has effectively turned the hospital into a referral centre, unable to provide adequate care to hundreds of patients. Local leaders and citizens condemn both current state government and previous BJP regime for neglecting public health services in the region. The issue, they say, is not new and has now reached a breaking point.

Kushal Bhardwaj, a District Council member, says that of the 19 approved posts for doctor, 15 are vacant. “Specialist posts like that of MD (physician), surgeon, ENT specialist, dermatologist, orthopaedic, ophthalmologist and paediatrician are all lying vacant. This hospital has been reduced to a mere referral centre, with serious cases being sent elsewhere due to the lack of expertise and facilities,” he adds.

He highlights the appalling conditions that for the past 18 years, despite repeated promises no government had appointed a sonographer to operate the ultrasound machine installed in the hospital. “It’s shameful that an essential diagnostic tool is gathering dust because of administrative apathy,” Bhardwaj adds.

The crisis extends beyond the availability of doctors. According to Bhardwaj, there are also vacancies of a staff nurse, operating theatre assistant, two radiographers, MLT grade-1 technician, ECG technician, three drivers, three midwives and eight Class-IV employees.

Hospitals in the surrounding areas, including Ladbharol Civil Hospital, Chountara Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Jogindernagar subdivision, are reportedly in an equally poor condition. “There has been no real commitment from any party to improve basic services such as healthcare, education, transportation or water supply,” Bhardwaj laments.

He warns that if the government fails to fill vacancies soon, he will organise public protests, just as in the past, when people’s movements successfully pushed the government to act.

Meanwhile, hospital sources say that around 400 to 500 outpatients visit the facility everyday. The sheer patient load on just four doctors paints a dire picture of the state of public healthcare in the region.

Mandi Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Deepali Sharma acknowledged the critical situation. “We have already informed the higher authorities and the state government about the severe shortage of medical staff. At present, the four available doctors are working round the clock to provide the best care possible under challenging circumstances,” she adds.