Puttur : Puttur government hospital, which is growing under the dream of becoming the district’s centre should be upgraded as a district hospital. There is a demand that the hospital be converted into a medical college. Even though the government hospital is developing along this path, the lack of doctors and staffs is still plaguing it.

There are altogether 112 sanctioned posts at the government hospital of which, only 47 have been filled and the remaining 65 posts remain vacant. Along with some of the important posts, around 60% of the posts have not been filled from the government’s level.

Importantly, surgeon, chief health officer, physician, one post each and 2 posts of regular duty officer lie vacant at the government hospital. Obstetrics and Childbirth posts are vacant and Dr| Sandeep from the Wenlock district hospital in Mangaluru is taking care of this duty.

3 posts of nurse superintendent, 1 senior nurse superintendent, 1 junior woman health assistant, 2 senior pharmacist, 1 senior laboratory technician, 1 ECG technician, 2 office superintendents, 2 posts of first degree assistant, 2 second degree assistants, 2 typists and 1 clerk, 1 driver’s post, 1 x-ray assistant, 1 lab assistant and 2 posts of kitchen help still lie vacant.

In order to maintain cleanliness at the government hospital, 34 posts under group D were sanctioned, only 1 has been appointed. The remaining 33 posts are vacant. Recently, in order to maintain the cleanliness of the hospital, 18 persons for group D posts and 12 persons for other non-health related posts were appointed through outsourcing.

On one hand, the process is ongoing to provide basic facilities and fill vacant posts complimenting the public demand. Presently in the hospital, good service is being provided by the health medical officer, orthopedic, ophthalmologist, anesthesiologists, general surgeon, ENT and the dentist. The 25 sanctioned nurse posts have been filled.

Puttur government hospital is facing a major lack of pediatrician. A doctor who despite being pregnant, was providing service amidst the pressure has taken a long term vacation after taking offence by the behavior of a representative of the people. Due to the doctor being on holiday, the hospital is facing a major lack of pediatrician.