Docs yet to join despite postings

The state Health and Family Welfare Department issued posting orders for 76 doctors, including medical specialists and officers, on April 10. Most of them are fresh graduates from state medical colleges. However, several doctors posted to key hospitals in the lower Kangra region have yet to join, impacting healthcare services.

The 200-bedded Civil Hospital in Nurpur has long awaited a radiologist and paediatrician. Although their postings have been ordered, neither has reported for duty. The absence of a radiologist for years has forced patients—especially pregnant women—to rely on private ultrasound centers. Similarly, the lack of a paediatrician since last year has disrupted newborn care and affected institutional deliveries, causing serious concern among residents.

Locals had consistently demanded the filling of these crucial posts to improve maternity and child health services. While the government has responded by ordering the postings, the Health Department has not yet ensured their actual joining.

Likewise, the Civil Hospitals in Jawali and Fatehpur have been allotted anesthetists and a physician, but none have assumed their roles. This delay continues to affect emergency and surgical services in these hospitals.

Residents of the affected areas have urged the state government to issue revised posting orders or ensure the timely joining of already-posted doctors to improve healthcare delivery and reduce the burden on private services. Immediate intervention is needed to address the long-standing healthcare gaps in the region.