Healthcare in shambles: 3 specialists shifted from under-staffed Fazilka hospital

Blurb: The residents had raised the issue of shortage of medical specialists in the hospital during the health minister’s visit. But instead of deploying more specialists, three doctors have been shifted from the Fazilka hospital, much to the dismay of the residents.Praful Chander Nagpal

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Fazilka, September 21

After the visit of Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu last week, three specialist doctors have been shifted from the Fazilka District Hospital here.

According to the orders, chest specialist Dr Neelu Chugh has been appointed as District Tuberculosis Officer, anesthesiologist Dr Rupali Mahajan has been shifted to Sub-Division Hospital Zira in Ferozepur district and medical specialist Dr Jatinder Kochhar was shifted to Ferozepur District Hospital.

The residents had raised the issue of shortage of medical specialists in the hospital during the health minister’s visit. But instead of deploying more specialists, three more doctors have been shifted from the Fazilka hospital, much to the dismay of the residents.

Official sources said none of the much needed medical specialists was presently available at the district hospital. Dr Ankur Chaudhary, posted at the hospital earlier, had been sent on deputation to Civil Hospital, Abohar, a few months ago on pretext of the post lying vacant there.

The other medical specialist doctor, Dr Shahzeen Dhuria, was on leave since long.

Besides, sources said the posts of ENT, gynaecologist, dermatologist and pathologist were also vacant. As a result of these vacant posts, the ultrasound and dialysis units had been lying shut for the past about more than two years, forcing the patients to go to private hospitals.

Not only is the district hospital facing the heat of shortage of doctors but the civil surgeon office has also been awaiting programme officers since years. The posts of district health officer, district family planning officer, district immunisation officer, district medical commissioner and district epidemiologist were vacant, thus affecting the government sponsored welfare schemes and fight against Covid.

Photo: The Fazilka District Hospital wears a deserted look due to shortage of specialist. Tribune photo