Severe Shortage of Medical Personnel
Ahmedabad: The 2024 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has unveiled a dire crisis in Gujarat’s public health system, highlighting alarming shortages of doctors, specialists, and nursing staff. The report reveals that despite hiring 9,983 healthcare workers between 2016-22, vacancy rates remain high—23% for doctors, 6% for nurses, and 23% for paramedics. In 22 districts, over 25% of doctor posts remain unfilled, while 19 districts face a similar crisis for paramedics.
Specialist Doctors and Nursing Faculty Deficit
Specialist doctor shortages are particularly severe, with vacancy rates at 28% in Maternal and Child Health Centers (MCHs), 36% in District Hospitals (DHs), and a staggering 51% in Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs). District Hospitals alone have 18% of doctor positions, 7% of nursing posts, and 46% of paramedic slots vacant. Additionally, a massive 76% shortage of teaching staff in nursing colleges and schools has further strained the system.
Gaps in Hospital Infrastructure and Services
Infrastructure and service gaps have severely impacted patient care. Key findings include:
- Four out of five tested MCHs lacked sufficient registration counters.
- Only 10 of 19 DHs provided full OPD services, while inpatient and emergency care were only partially available in 13 out of 19 DHs.
- Pediatric operation theatres were missing in three MCHs.
- Blood banks were absent in three DHs.
- Mortuary services were unavailable in four DHs, and one DH lacked dietary services.
- Pathology and ambulance services were only partially available in all 19 DHs.
Delayed Infrastructure Projects
The CAG report also highlights poor execution of public health infrastructure projects. Of 5,332 sanctioned projects from 2016-22, only 24% were completed, while 70% were either abandoned or never started. Sixteen DHs are operating with fewer beds than required under Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
Inadequate Healthcare Funding
Financial neglect has exacerbated the crisis. In 2021-22, Gujarat’s health budget was only 5.42% of total expenditure—far below the 8% target set by the National Health Policy 2017. Capital spending on health over six years stood at just 14.17%, leading to inadequate resources and infrastructure.
Environmental and Patient Safety Concerns
Bio-medical waste management remains ineffective, raising environmental and patient safety concerns. The implementation of Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016 has been found lacking, further adding to the state’s healthcare woes.
Conclusion: An Urgent Need for Reform
The CAG report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive health policy in Gujarat. Without increased funding, better infrastructure, and a robust recruitment strategy, the state’s public health system will remain overburdened, underfunded, and critically short of essential healthcare personnel.
