Faridabad: The emergency wing at Faridabad’s 200-bedded Civil Hospital is grappling with a severe doctor shortage, currently functioning with just two medical officers instead of the required six. Despite the Health Department’s appointments, six doctors have failed to join their duties, worsening the staffing crisis.
In response, the hospital has been deploying field doctors on deputation, but insiders say this temporary measure is not enough. A hospital employee, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the Casualty section requires at least six doctors, but is left to operate with only two to three, resulting in challenges in patient care.
The situation becomes particularly dire at night, when serious cases often have no available doctor to attend to them. The shortage of General Duty Assistants (GDAs) further complicates the hospital’s operations.
An RTI report by local resident Ajay Saini revealed that six appointed doctors failed to report for duty between 2014 and 2023. Alarmingly, one doctor has been absent since November 24, 2014, with no formal communication or termination orders issued.
Currently, the hospital is functioning with 41 doctors, against a sanctioned strength of 55, leaving key specialties vacant, including radiology, psychiatry, forensic, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. The absence of a radiologist means ultrasound procedures are being handled by a Deputy CMO on a part-time basis.
Additionally, activist Satish Chopra, who has been on a 71-day sit-in demanding a Trauma Centre, claims the hospital suffers from a 20-30% medicine shortage at all times. However, Dr. Vikas Goel, Principal Medical Officer (PMO), refuted this claim, stating that retired doctors have been hired to fill gaps and that there is no shortage of medicines.
