Odisha Doctor Vacancies: Nearly 30% Posts Empty, Says Health Minister
Odisha is grappling with a severe shortage of medical professionals, with nearly 30% of sanctioned doctor posts lying vacant across the state.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Assembly that out of 15,793 sanctioned posts, only 9,826 doctors are currently in service, leaving 5,967 positions unfilled.
The sanctioned posts include 8,793 duty positions and 7,000 Leave Training Reserve Medical Officer posts.
To bridge the gap, the government has appointed doctors through multiple channels: 19 on an ad‑hoc basis, 1,224 on contractual terms, four via the Corpus Fund, and 113 through the District Mineral Fund (DMF).
Specialist shortages remain acute, particularly at Chandabali CHC in Bhadrak district, where posts in Obstetrics & Gynaecology are being filled through counselling of doctors returning after postgraduate, super-speciality, or senior residency programs.
The minister assured that recruitment drives via the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) and departmental contractual appointments are underway to address the crisis and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
