Early Times Report
Rajouri, Dec 23: Most of the health institutions in Rajouri district are being run by the doctors appointed under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) because out of 235 posts of doctors (regular) sanctioned for 275 health institutes of the district by the government, 155 posts are lying vacant for the last few years.
NRHM was launched in 2005 to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to the rural population, especially the vulnerable groups. 106 doctors have been appointed in Rajouri district under NRHM.
Most of the health institutions in remote and inaccessible areas are either being looked after doctors appointed under NRHM or by the senior/junior pharmacists and Female/Male Multi Purpose Health Workers.
One of the six Health Blocks of Rajouri district is Kandi Health Block which has more than 89 pc population belonging to BPL category. These people live in remote and inaccessible areas and can't afford medical treatment either at Rajouri district hospital or in Jammu hospitals.
Thirty one Health centres are functioning in this block, including one Community Health Centre, eight Public Health Centres and 26 Sub-Centres. The state government has sanctioned 27 posts of doctors for these health centres (from regular side) but 22 are lying vacant for the last many years.
Thirteen doctors have been appointed under NRHM out of which two are appointed at CHC, Kandi, and the remaining 11 are looking after the affairs of nine PHCs. Ironically most of them allegedly remain on leave or unauthorised absent as the health centres are situated in remote areas.
Recently inhabitants of Budhal and its adjoining areas held a protest against the health department, alleging that the Budhal CHC sans every facility, including free medicines, and faces shortage of doctors.
"Despite shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in this health block, every possible effort is being made to provide timely health care to the needy and poor people" claimed BMO, Dr Mehmood.
During his recent tour to the district, the health minister had directed the chief medical officer to ensure that the patients should get free medicines in the government hospitals. "His instructions are, however, not being followed as people are buying medicines from the market. Even touts of private medical stores can be found roaming in the hospitals, including the district hospital to trap the patients and their attendants," people alleged.
"As for as shortage of doctors os staff is concerned, the matter has already been raised before the senior officers of health department and in a meeting of District Health Society, chaired by Deputy Commissioner," Dr Mehmood said.
He claimed that except for a few medicines, including drip sets, which were out of stock in the health institutions, patients were being provided free medicines. |
