The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) Bajengdoba regional unit met the North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner and District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) today and detailing the plight and inconveniences faced by the public due to shortage of doctors in the primary health centre (PHC).
The organisation said the PHC with only one doctor covers a total population of 36,000 while the number of ASHAs is 390. “The shortage of doctors in Bajengdoba PHC has reached a critical level, creating a challenging situation for patients and health care providers alike. With an increasing demand for medical services and an ageing population, the lack of available physicians is putting a strain on the health care system,” AHAM unit president Kollingwat Sangma said.
He said following a discussion with the medical officers it is learnt that the shortage of doctors is not in their hands and that one of doctors was transferred to West Garo Hills district.
Sangma said the entire district is facing a shortage of primary care physicians and specialists in various fields such as gynaecologist, cardiology, oncology etc. “This shortage is resulting in difficulty in accessing specialised care, and overall decreased quality of care for patients,” he added.
AHAM has also urged authorities to appoint more doctors in the region and called on stakeholders to come together and find sustainable solutions to address the issue.