Kalimela,: Most specialist doctor posts are vacant at the Kalimela Community Health Centre in Malkangiri district. This community health centre caters to thousands of patients across 23 panchayats in the block. From emergency services to maternal deliveries, the centre is always overcrowded. However, it lacks essential modern medical equipment needed for proper health check-ups. The medical facility has only 30 beds, resulting in patients often being treated on the floor due to bed shortages.
One critical issue is that over 100 babies are born at this centre every month, yet there is no pediatrician or medicine specialist available. There is only one gynecologist to care for pregnant and postpartum women, while most specialist positions remain unfilled. On one hand, the government is launching various schemes to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, but on the other hand, the health centre lacks both doctors and the necessary equipment to meet these goals. Without adequate facilities, achieving zero mortality remains a questionable target.
For many years, the Kalimela Health Centre has faced a shortage of specialist doctors. The health department has taken no visible steps to fill these vacancies, causing widespread dissatisfaction among the public. Kalimela block is a tribal-dominated region, and patients from these remote areas are deprived of quality healthcare, often leading to preventable deaths.
Intellectuals and locals have expressed the urgent need for at least a pediatrician and significant improvements in administrative arrangements at the health centre. When questioned, the district health officer stated that discussions would be held with the concerned health centre authorities to resolve the issues.