An acute shortage of doctors plagues Odisha, with quacks ruling the roost in rural areas and the urban health sector at the mercy of paramedics and pharmacists. Despite several schemes launched in the state to improve medical facilities, acute shortage of doctors and specialists has paralysed the healthcare delivery system, even though this capital city is emerging as a health hub with the presence of reputed private hospitals. Over 3,500 doctors’ posts are lying vacant in three medical colleges and other hospitals in the state.
Besides, more than 500 doctors have not joined their duties since long, despite the government slapping notices on them for leaving their place of duty without authorisation, said a senior official of the health department. While 375 teachers’ posts were unmanned in three government-run medical colleges and one dental college, a total of 20 professors, 44…
