Staff shortage cripples services at 100-bed Dharampur hospital
pendar Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, December 13
The 100-bed Dharampur hospital in the district is facing an acute shortage of health staff. The hospital has a sanctioned staff strength of 80, which includes 15 doctors and 20 staff nurses. However, 61 posts are lying vacant. The health facility caters to the residents of the Dharampur segment and its nearby places.
Kartar Singh, a local resident, said currently, only one doctor was available at the hospital on a regular basis. The government had deployed doctors from other health facilities here on a deputation basis, who were available only as per the fixed schedule. He demanded that the vacant posts of doctor and paramedical staff be filled on a priority.
Bhupender Singh, a zila parishad member, said it was a matter of concern that out of the 15 posts of doctor, 14 were vacant. Similarly, 17 of the total of 20 posts of staff nurses were vacant.
“Dharampur is the Assembly segment of IPH Minister Mahender Singh Thakur, who has failed to provide adequate health staff at the hospital. The state government upgraded the bed capacity, but failed to provide adequate health staff,” he said.
“We urge the government to fill the vacant posts of doctor, staff nurses and other paramedical staff on priority,” he said.
Chief Medical Officer, Mandi, Dr Devender Sharma said currently, three doctors were posted at the hospital against the sanctioned strength of 14. Similarly, there were three staff nurses against the total 20 sanctioned posts.
