Dismal health scene in Chhattisgarh district

Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, Sep 13 (UNI) Despite relaxation of rules, no doctor is willing to occupy even one of 52 posts of physicians, including 41 specialists, long lying vacant in backward and tribal-dominated Jashpur district.

The administration even advertised the posts through newspapers in neighbouring Jharkhand and Orissa but in vain. The paucity was resulting in more and more fatalities due to seasonal ailments and other causes. Seven primary health centres were on the brink of closure.

''Due to the paucity of MBBS doctors, Ayurvedic physicians are being accorded priority but even they are not evincing interest in working here,'' said the district's Chief Medical and Health Officer N C Nande.

The local 100-bed Civil Hospital has posts for a specialist and six other doctors -- all vacant.

UNI