64% Shortage of Hospital Beds in Government Hospitals
Bhubaneswar: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised alarm over significant deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure and resources in Odisha’s government hospitals. The report reveals a staggering 64% shortage of hospital beds, with only 32,767 beds available against the required 91,392 beds, as per the National Health Policy, 2017.
Acute Shortage of Medical Professionals
- Doctors and Specialists:
- 36.5% shortfall in specialists at District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs).
- 58% vacancy in Community Health Centres (CHCs).
- 28% shortage of MBBS doctors in Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
- Specialist Shortages by Category:
- Dermatology: 55% vacancy.
- Pathology and Paediatrics: 51% vacancy each.
- CHCs faced a 79% shortage of specialists, with only 309 specialists in position against the sanctioned 1,501 posts.
Staffing and Nursing Gaps
- PHCs were critically short of staff nurses, with 2,156 nurses sanctioned against the required 4,020 nurses.
- Shortages in nursing and paramedical staff hinder medical care delivery, especially in rural areas.
Healthcare Services and Infrastructure Deficiencies
- Emergency and Trauma Care:
- Limited availability due to deficient infrastructure, manpower, and equipment.
- ICU Services:
- Only 17 out of 32 DHHs had ICU facilities.
- Maternity Services:
- Lacking in CHCs due to inadequate resources and diagnostic facilities.
Drugs, Equipment, and Consumables
- Essential drugs and medical supplies were inconsistently available, with gaps in monitoring and storage standards.
- Non-functional equipment, such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators, impacted service delivery and emergency preparedness.
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Challenges
- Only 0.35 hospital beds per 1,000 population, far below national standards.
- Delays in building projects and underutilized completed facilities worsened access to quality care.
- Acute shortage of staff accommodations, including quarters for doctors and paramedics.
The CAG report underscores the urgent need for the Odisha government to address these critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure quality healthcare for the state’s population.
