A recent report by the Union Health Ministry highlights a significant healthcare infrastructure gap in Telangana, revealing that only six out of the state’s 33 districts have functional district hospitals. The Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure & Human Resources) 2022-23 report, released on Monday, underscores critical deficiencies in the state’s healthcare system.
As of March 31, 2023, the functional district hospitals are located in Hyderabad, Jangaon, Karimnagar, Khammam, Sangareddy, and Vikarabad. This limited coverage leaves a substantial portion of the state without adequate district-level medical facilities, exacerbating healthcare access issues.
The report also reveals that Telangana is grappling with a shortage of medical personnel. Despite the sanctioned posts for doctors and specialists in district and sub-district hospitals totaling 2,551, only 1,314 positions are filled. This shortfall indicates a staffing deficit of over 50 percent, which severely impacts the delivery of healthcare services.
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In rural areas, the situation is equally dire. The required number of doctors or medical officers for Primary Health Centres (PHCs) stands at 594, yet there are 1,188 sanctioned posts, with 431 of them vacant. This imbalance highlights the challenge of providing adequate healthcare in rural communities.
The shortage extends to Community Health Centres (CHCs) as well. The report notes a significant deficit in specialists, with only 90 out of the sanctioned 145 posts occupied. This gap includes critical positions such as surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists, physicians, pediatricians, and radiologists. Currently, 42 of the sanctioned posts remain unfilled.
Additionally, the state faces issues with the infrastructure of sub-centres. Out of 4,228 sub-centres in Telangana, only 1,942 are operating from their own buildings, while 1,813 are located in rented premises and 437 function from rent-free panchayat or society buildings. This uneven distribution of facilities further complicates the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in the state.
The findings of the report draw attention to the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Telangana’s healthcare system. The state government faces mounting pressure to address these critical gaps in infrastructure and staffing to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that all residents have access to essential medical services.
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