One Year After Inauguration, Residents of Kandhamal Raise Concerns Over Inadequate Healthcare Services
A year after its inauguration, Phulbani Medical College and Hospital continues to face criticism over inadequate healthcare infrastructure and an acute shortage of doctors, sparking concern among residents of Kandhamal district in Odisha.
The medical college and hospital, inaugurated on June 7, 2025, by Mohan Charan Majhi, was expected to significantly improve healthcare access in the region. However, locals allege that the institution has failed to meet expectations due to the absence of several critical medical facilities.
MRI, CT Scan, Trauma and Burn Units Still Unavailable
According to residents and patients, the hospital currently lacks essential diagnostic and emergency care services, including MRI and CT scan facilities, as well as trauma and burn care units. As a result, patients are frequently referred to hospitals in Berhampur, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
Sources cited in reports revealed that the hospital presently has only one ultrasound machine, which is being used exclusively for pregnant women, creating difficulties for other patients requiring diagnostic imaging services.
Severe Doctor Shortage Raises Healthcare Concerns
The healthcare crisis has reportedly worsened due to a shortage of doctors and administrative inefficiencies. While nearly 120 doctors have been deployed to the medical college primarily for academic purposes, the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) currently has only 38 doctors on duty against 134 sanctioned posts.
Adding to the administrative challenges, the post of Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) at the DHH has reportedly remained vacant for the past three months, affecting supervision and healthcare management.
Allegations of Administrative Lapses and Poor Coordination
Residents have also alleged a lack of coordination between the medical college administration and DHH officials, which they claim is adversely impacting healthcare delivery in the district.
Further allegations suggest that some doctors and staff members are allegedly coordinating leave schedules among themselves without formal government approval, taking advantage of the existing administrative vacuum.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Narendra Behera, Dean of the Medical College Hospital, stated that he was unaware of any such irregularities and assured that the matter would be investigated.
Dedicated MCH Complex Yet to Become Operational
Despite the construction of a dedicated medical college complex on the outskirts of Phulbani town, the facility has not yet become operational. Currently, the institution is functioning from the Kandhamal District Headquarters Hospital, sharing infrastructure and resources.
Residents of Kandhamal have urged the Odisha government to immediately fill vacant doctor posts, improve administrative oversight and establish essential life-saving facilities to ensure better healthcare access for people in the district.
