A performance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has uncovered an acute shortage of medical officers, staff nurses, and paramedics in Jharkhand’s state-run hospitals. The findings, presented in the latest CAG report tabled in the assembly on Thursday, reveal significant gaps in public health infrastructure and management of health services.
The audit report states that as of March 2022, 2,210 positions for medical officers and specialists remained unfilled out of 3,634 sanctioned posts, accounting for 61% of the total requirement.
Additionally, there were 3,033 vacancies for staff nurses against 5,872 sanctioned positions and 864 vacant paramedic posts out of 1,080 sanctioned slots.
The audit, covering the period from 2016-17 to 2021-22, was conducted between March and September 2022. Six districts—Dhanbad, Dumka, Gumla, Garhwa, Saraikela-Kharswan, and Simdega—were selected for detailed scrutiny as primary sampling units.
The study included two out of six medical colleges, two AYUSH educational institutions, five district hospitals, 14 community health centers, 13 primary health centers, 25 health and wellness centers, 11 private hospitals, and six district joint AYUSH dispensaries.
Severe staffing shortages across healthcare facilities
The audit revealed critical shortages in various medical facilities, with gaps ranging between 7 per cent and 65 per cent for medical officers, specialists, nurses, and paramedics across district hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers.
Additionally, medical colleges faced severe staffing shortages. Of the 641 sanctioned teaching and non-teaching staff positions across six medical colleges and hospitals, 286 posts (45 per cent) remained unfilled as of July 2022.
The CAG has urged the state government to take urgent steps to fill vacancies for medical officers, specialists, staff nurses, and paramedics in all healthcare institutions. The report also recommends implementing all Medical Council of India (MCI) working group recommendations to address the shortage of teaching faculty in medical colleges.
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Gaps in healthcare services and drug availability
The audit also identified deficiencies in healthcare service delivery, including gaps in outpatient and inpatient services, diagnostic services, maternity care, and mobile medical units.
Furthermore, a critical shortage of essential drugs was detected. Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, test-checked community health centers, district hospitals, and medical colleges experienced shortages of essential drugs ranging from 65 per cent to 95 per cent.
With Jharkhand’s healthcare sector facing severe staff and resource shortages, the CAG report emphasizes the need for immediate corrective measures to strengthen the state's public health infrastructure and ensure adequate medical personnel and supplies for its citizens.
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