Doctors upset over inadequate infrastructure, favoritism
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 14 2021:
Even as the state's Health Department has issued instructions for doctors and nurses to continue working in government health facilities in view of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, many doctors have expressed their frustrations over lack of adequate infrastructure.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle in this regard, many government doctors said that despite the huge risks, many doctors and healthcare workers have come forward in the service of the people.
However, the biggest obstacle in this is the absence or non-repairing of important infrastructure in various health facilities, including district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, Health and Wellness Centres, and PHSCs, which is like going to war without a weapon in hand.
The present situation is truly an emergency and a longterm planning should have been put in place.
The doctors pointed out that right from the district hospitals to the PHSCs, all health care facilities exist only for namesake as necessary infrastructure are absent and only a few staff are deployed.
There are no emergency medicines while in some CHCs or PHCs, there are no emergency equipment or laboratories, which is deterring the doctors and the medical staff from performing their duties to the fullest.
Although a warning for the second wave was issued during the first wave of Covid-19 last year, the state government's failure to make any preparations over such a long period of time has now led to the present situation in the state.
Stating that the most inconvenienced are the doctors and health staff working at the health centres located in the remotest areas of the state, the doctors said there are no proper accommodation for doctors and staff posted at health centres in hill districts.
It is a huge conundrum on how the doctors would be able to treat patients in such a situation.
Ihus, it is inevitable for some to use their connections to try and get posted in Imphal.
"This has resulted in issuance of transfer and posting orders of some doctors 2-3 times a day.
As the doctors with powerful connections get the advantage, many others are left dejected and frustrated with the system", the doctors conveyed.
According to an order issued by the state health department, the roster system of doctors and health staff has been suspended and they have been instruct -ed to do their duty for 24 hours.
However, the feasibility of this order is uncertain as it is impossible for the doctors to continue working for long hours without getting a rest.
Thus, to tackle the present situation, the state government should formulate both short and a long term planning and make necessary preparations for the same.
If not, the health workers are bound to lose the strength to perform their duties, which could further worsen the situation in the state, the doctors cautioned.