Specialist Doctors in Short Supply, Disparities Across Districts
Kochhin: Kerala’s government hospitals are facing a severe shortage of doctors, particularly in the modern system of medicine. The availability of doctors varies significantly across districts, with some areas experiencing extremely poor doctor-to-population ratios.
According to the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA), citing data from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, there were 5,476 vacant posts under the Directorate of Health Services as of March 2023, out of a total sanctioned strength of 49,496. This represents a shortage of approximately 11%.
Highest Shortages in Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Malappuram
The district-wise shortage of medical staff ranges between 8% and 13%, with the highest number of vacancies in Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Malappuram (13% each).
The doctor-to-population ratio is alarmingly low in some districts:
- Kozhikode – 1:7,245 (extremely poor category)
- Malappuram – 1:7,437 (extremely poor category)
- Palakkad – 1:6,722
- Thrissur – 1:6,293
- Kollam – 1:6,290
In contrast, Pathanamthitta district has a much better ratio of 1:3,411, highlighting the disparity in doctor distribution across Kerala.
Specialist Doctor Shortage in Hospitals
The Indian Public Health Standards recommend a minimum of 28-66 specialist doctors in district hospitals and 19-23 specialists in taluk hospitals, based on bed capacity. However, the CAG audit found that only 513 specialist posts were sanctioned against the required 614, leaving a 16% shortfall.
In secondary-level hospitals like Community Health Centres (CHCs), the minimum requirement is 10 doctors per centre, yet there is a shortage of 147 doctors.
Casualty Departments and Family Health Centres Affected
KGMOA leaders report that casualty departments in taluk, district, and general hospitals in Kozhikode lack sufficient doctors, with no proper triage system to regulate patient flow.
Under the Ardram scheme, launched by the Kerala government, each Family Health Centre (FHC) was supposed to have three medical officers. However, a CAG audit of 32 FHCs found that only 12 had the required manpower, further exacerbating the crisis.
The growing shortage of doctors, especially specialists, poses a serious challenge to Kerala’s public healthcare system, putting additional strain on existing medical professionals and patient care services.
