PATHANKOT: The shortage of doctors at the local civil hospital is forcing patients from the town and surrounding areas to go for costlier private treatment.
The 50-bedded hospital in this newly-formed district do not have many specialists. Several doctors have left their jobs or got transferred. Patients suffering from bone-related problems have to see private doctors as a bone and joint specialist at the civil hospital was promoted, while another left his job. The post has been lying vacant for the past many months.
Of the two gynaecologists, one was transferred while the other went on maternity leave. In the pediatric ward, too, there is no child specialist. The trauma ward is short of three orthopedic surgeons.
Virnal Gupta, a local resident, said in case of accidents, people had to go to other hospitals, which charged heftily. The health department should fill posts at the earliest, he added.
Dr Achla Bhatia, senior medical officer (SMa), said she had written to the authorities concerned about the hospital’s staff requirements, adding that the appointment of doctors was expected soon. Pathankot, which became a district last year, also has vacancies of civil surgeon and district health officer.
SOURCE-HT
