Staff Shortage at Bhatkal Government Hospital draws protest by auto-drivers

Bhatkal: Allegations have surfaced that the government hospital in Bhatkal taluk has been facing an acute shortage of specialist doctors and staff for the past two years, causing serious hardship to patients. Auto drivers’ association members and social activists have submitted separate petitions demanding immediate action.

The Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital Auto Drivers’ Association submitted a memorandum to the Assistant Commissioner. In their petition, they stated that there is a shortage of orthopaedic and maternity specialists at the hospital. They pointed out that the hospital, which was once considered a model institution in the state, is now struggling due to the lack of specialists.

Due to the shortage of doctors, poor patients are forced to travel to distant private hospitals even for emergency treatment, the association said. Many are unable to bear the high medical expenses and are falling into debt. Daily wage workers and economically weaker sections are said to be facing the worst impact.

Separately, Mastappa Nayak, owner of the ‘Young One India’ organisation and a social activist, submitted a petition to the Tahsildar and the hospital administration. He alleged that the hospital is facing a severe shortage of gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, orthopaedic specialists, pharmacists, Group-D staff and outsourced workers. He also claimed there is a lack of quality medicines.

With a large section of poor and middle-class families in the taluk depending on the government hospital, the petitioners said pregnant women, elderly persons and emergency patients are facing difficulties due to delays in treatment. They expressed concern that in cases such as road accidents, the lack of immediate medical attention could lead to serious consequences.

The petitioners urged the authorities to immediately appoint the required specialist doctors and staff, ensure the availability of quality medicines and take swift steps in the interest of public health.

In the absence of senior officials, the memorandum was submitted through Shirastedar Praveen Kumar, Radhika Shastri and Hospital Administrative Officer Arun Kumar.