Community Health Centre, Jaitu, has been operational with only two doctors functioning as medical officers, instead of the sanctioned strength of five.
Besides a senior medical officer, there are two doctors, a medical specialist and gynecologist. There is no surgeon, child specialist or an orthopaedician. There is also no emergency medical officer.
Of the sanctioned three posts of the 10, three are vacant. Three posts of safai sewaks are also vacant of the five approved.
"Jaitu was made a sub-division around a decade ago and the local civil hospital was upgraded to an CHC. However, instead of approving more specialists, the government is struggling to even fill the existing posts," said a local resident.
Last year, residents had gone on a hunger strike and resorted to a road blockade to get vacant posts of the doctors filled regularly. They had alleged that the health department was sending doctors on deputation for some days of the week.
However, the issue has not been resolved yet.
"There is no ultrasound scan available in the hospital. This is an urgent requirement as in its absence, it is difficult to diagnose the actual problem. There is a gynecologist and many pregnant women come here to get themselves examined. In case, an ultrasound is required, we have to go to Kotkapura," said a patient.
"We have staff shortage and have written to the higher authorities about it. We hope that the posts are filled up soon," said Faridkot civil surgeon Dr Baldev Singh Sahota.
{{/usCountry}}"We have staff shortage and have written to the higher authorities about it. We hope that the posts are filled up soon," said Faridkot civil surgeon Dr Baldev Singh Sahota.
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