Odisha Reports Over 74% Vacancy Rate for Specialist Doctor Posts in Community Health Centres

Odisha's Health Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, revealed in the assembly that over 74% of specialist doctor positions in state-run community health centres (CHCs) are unfilled. Out of 1,500 sanctioned posts across 375 CHCs, only 386 specialists are currently employed. This information was shared in response to a query from BJD MLA Prasanta Behera.

Specialist Doctor Shortage

In Deogarh, just one specialist is working against the sanctioned 16 positions. Similarly, Rayagada district, with a tribal majority, has only three specialists for 44 sanctioned posts. The situation is dire in Mayurbhanj district, where 88 specialist positions remain vacant. Other districts like Ganjam, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Bargarh also face significant shortages.

Overall Doctor Vacancies

Across Odisha's CHCs, 5,014 out of 7,806 sanctioned doctor posts are vacant. Ganjam district alone has 450 vacant positions, followed by Mayurbhanj with 309 unfilled posts. More than 200 doctor vacancies exist in Balasore, Bargarh, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Koraput, Puri, and Sundargarh districts.

The total number of sanctioned doctor posts stands at 9,306 across the state. However, 6,128 of these positions remain unoccupied. This represents a vacancy rate of 66% in Odisha's community health centres.

Efforts are underway to address this issue through various recruitment methods. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is involved in selecting candidates. Additionally, departmental promotions and contractual appointments are being considered. The government is also recruiting specialists who have completed their post-graduation studies to fill these critical roles.

The shortage of doctors in Odisha's CHCs highlights the urgent need for effective recruitment strategies. Ensuring adequate staffing in these rural healthcare facilities is crucial for improving healthcare access and quality across the state.