-SATISH HANDA
Against a writ moved in Punjab and Haryana High Court as regard large number of vacant posts for doctors, nurses and para-medical staff in government hospitals in Haryana state, the court directed Chief Secretary Haryana to submit an affidavit in this regard since health services due to shortage of doctors and para-medical staff in government hospitals is adversely affecting the patients visiting hospitals in the state. National Health Commission, too, expressed regrets in this regard. According to information, 603 posts of doctors and 1432 posts of staff nurses are lying vacant in government hospitals and health centres in the state., which include 59 Government Hospitals, 119 Community Health centres, 486 Primary Health centres and2630 Health Sub Centres
Sources reveal, out of total number of 39 posts for civil surgeon or Principal Medical Officer five posts are lying vacant in the state. Similarly, out of 545 posts of deputy civil surgeon or deputy director 151 posts, out of 3098 posts for medical officer 447 posts, out of 80 posts for dental surgeon 30 posts, out of 3656 posts for staff nurses 1432 posts, out of 46 posts for physio-therapist 39 posts, out of 934 posts for laboratory technician 540 posts, out of 81 posts for ECG technician 53 posts, out of 33 posts of dietician 23 posts, out of 44 posts of malaria staff 35 posts and 131 posts for operation theatre assistant are lying vacant in government hospitals in Haryana state.
According to Health Index Report submitted by ‘Niti Ayog’ recently, it is duty of state health department to provide best health services to people in the state and Haryana state health department is successful to improve health services ranking 13th place this year as against 12th place during the year 2018-19 but still lacking behind than the neighbouring Punjab and Himachal states. The report reveals, out of one thousand new born babies 22 children reported died within 28 days after birth and nearly 8.5% children taking birth are found under weight as against as against 14.19% in the year 2018. Information reveals that budget in health sector in Haryana state during current year 2019-20 has been approved Rs 5016 crore as against Rs 4769 crore in the year 2018-19, Rs 3815 crore during the year 2017-18 and Rs 3044 crore during the year 2016-17. Information also reveals, nearly 15 lakh families in Haryana are availing financial assistance against medical treatment under ‘Aayushman Bharat’ scheme declared by state government. A recent study report reveals that government hospitals in Haryana state are having acute shortage of staff identified as 15.2% shortage in case of ANM, 35.4% shortage in case of staff nurses, 22.4% shortage in case of medical officers and 21.16% shortage in case of specialist doctors.
