97 villages affected as Phagwara CHC left without doctors at night

Residents of nearly 97 villages dependent on the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Panchhat, Phagwara, are facing a serious healthcare crisis due to the absence of doctors during night hours. Despite the centre being a crucial medical facility for thousands of rural residents, key medical posts, including doctors, nurses and ward attendants, remain vacant at night, leaving emergency patients in distress.

According to local residents and village representatives, the CHC operates with limited staff during the day and becomes virtually non-functional at night. Currently, only two doctors, a few nurses, and attendants are officially sanctioned for the facility. However, due to staff shortages and administrative gaps, no medical professional remains available for emergency care during late hours. This situation has forced critically ill patients to travel long distances to seek treatment in other towns, often risking their lives.

Community members report that the absence of medical staff at night has created panic among villagers, especially in cases involving accidents, sudden illnesses, childbirth emergencies, or high fever among children. In several instances, patients arriving at the centre after evening hours reportedly found no doctors present, forcing families to arrange private transportation and rush patients to distant hospitals.

In response to the growing crisis, panchayats from five surrounding villages collectively submitted a memorandum to the civil surgeon, demanding immediate intervention. The representatives urged the health department to appoint at least two doctors for night duty along with adequate nursing staff and ward attendants to ensure continuous medical services.

Village leaders stated that the CHC is meant to provide round-the-clock treatment to rural populations and serves as the primary healthcare facility for dozens of villages. However, the lack of manpower has undermined its purpose. They emphasised that the centre handles cases ranging from seasonal illnesses and infections to minor surgeries and emergency care, making the availability of doctors at all times essential.

Local residents also highlighted that during peak seasons of viral infections and agricultural accidents, the demand for emergency medical assistance increases significantly. Without night-duty doctors, patients are often left waiting for hours or forced to rely on unqualified practitioners in nearby areas.

Panchayat members further stressed that the CHC caters to a population spread across 97 villages, making it one of the most critical rural healthcare hubs in the region. They warned that continued negligence could lead to preventable deaths and urged authorities to treat the matter with urgency.

When contacted regarding the issue, officials from the health department acknowledged the shortage of medical staff and assured that the problem would be addressed soon. They indicated that the department is working to fill vacant posts and make arrangements to ensure the presence of doctors and emergency staff during night hours.

For now, however, villagers remain anxious and continue to press authorities for swift action. Community leaders say that restoring full medical services at the centre is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for safeguarding the health and lives of thousands of rural residents who rely on the facility as their first point of medical care.