Rural Health Centres Face 70% Specialist Doctor Shortage
- 10 Sep 2024
On 9th September, 2024, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a report under the title- ‘Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23’.
- The report underscores the need for policy changes and targeted campaigns to address these deficiencies.
Key Points
- Shortage Details: Rural CHCs are experiencing a critical shortage of specialists, with only 4,413 out of 13,232 sanctioned posts filled, leaving a 70% vacancy rate.
- Specialist Breakdown: Surgeons face the highest shortfall at 73%, followed by physicians at 69%, paediatricians at 68%, and Obs & Gyn specialists at 61%, according to the Union Health Ministry’s report.
- Regional Disparities: Significant gaps are evident in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, where the number of occupied posts for surgeons and other specialists is notably low.
- Impact on Rural Healthcare: Rural CHCs, intended to provide comprehensive care with a range of specialists, are struggling to meet healthcare demands due to this shortage.
- District Hospitals Comparison: The shortfall at district hospitals is less severe, under 20%, compared to the sharp decline in staffing at rural CHCs, which are crucial for village health management.
- Current Staffing Figures: As of March 31, 2023, out of 3,134 sanctioned posts for physicians, only 992 are filled, with similar shortfalls for paediatricians and Obs & Gyn specialists.
- Future Recommendations: Experts suggest considering a three-year MD course in family medicine to address the shortage and improve staffing in rural CHCs, similar to programs in other countries.
- Educational Growth: The increase in postgraduate medical seats by 133% and MBBS seats by 118% since 2014 highlights the growing capacity for medical education, though it has not yet resolved the rural healthcare gaps.
