8 die in 10 days in Dharmagarh hospital

The Pioneer, Nov 25, 2008
Bikash Khemka | Bhawanipatna

The health problem in Kalahandi continues to be grim in many hospitals as the vacant doctor posts are not being filled up by the State Health Department. The recent incident of the Dharmagarh hospital speaks volumes, where eight patients, mostly newborns and small children died within 10 days due to non-availability of pediatric and surgery specialists.

Sources said the district administration and KBK administrator Rajalaxmi have already apprised the State Government of filling up the vacant doctor posts in all hospitals in the district, but in vain.

Since November 10 to November 20, it is learnt that 1,432 patients have come to the outdoor for health check-ups and 209 patients have admitted for indoor treatment in Dharmagarh Hospital. Moreover, people of two blocks of Chhattisgarh also depend on the hospital.

Sources said Bilen Singh (8) of Kirkani village under Dharmagarh block, Damen Hans (10) of Khadiakani village under Golamunda block, Golapi Majhi (15) of Kantapadar village in Chhattisgarh district died on November 16 in the hospital. Similarly, 16-day baby of Parsuram Gopala of Parla village and Bimala Teji (35) of Dharmagarh block died in the hospital. More so, two-month-old Gita Rout under Koksara block, Akash Dharua (8), six-day newborn of Madhunagesh of Deybhog village died in the hospital on November 18.

Besides, medical equipment worth lakhs of rupees are lying defunct in the hospital due to the absence of doctors. However, the root cause behind the long-standing vacancies of doctors in the district by the Health Department is yet to be unearthed.