Healthcare services in Dhalai district in Tripura especially in Longtharai Valley and Gandachhara sub-divisions are facing problems after a couple of doctors had resigned and another one took a ‘leave’. In view of present situation, locals are demanding the immediate intervention of the Government to overcome the shortages of medicos.
According to local sources, two Medical Officer In Charges (MOICs) of PHCs in Longtharai Valley Sub-division had tendered resignations on April 13 last. This has created a void in the healthcare delivery system in remote areas of Longtharai Valley sub-division under Dhalai district. It is also alleged one doctor of remote Raishyabari PHC under Gandachhera sub-division left the PHC on ‘leave’ on April 16 last. Reportedly, the concerned doctor did not inform the concerned authority and as a result, patients who came to the PHC today had suffered a lot.
As Covid threat is looming large, rural hospitals are the primary source of awareness as well as treatment. While the State Government is working to enhance Covid testing facilities across the State, dearth of doctors may prove to be costly, educated youth of Lalchhara under Longtharai sub-division commented. It may be mentioned, one of the two doctors who resign was working in Lalchhara PHC.
The situation is fasting to be complicated as the prevalence of water-borne diseases in remote hilly hamlets is quite common during this time. For the last couple of years, improved healthcare delivery mechanisms had controlled the outbreak of such water-borne diseases in remote areas.
With Covid threat and the possibility of seasonal prevalence, a strong healthcare delivery system is required to be in place. Also, as the State Government has accorded importance in Healthcare delivery, it is necessary that State Health Department needs to intervene and depute adequate doctors in PHCs, at least in Dhalai district, local people of Lachhara.