Rayagada’s Healthcare on Life Support: 320 Doctor Posts Vacant Amid Rising Patient Load
Rayagada district in Odisha is facing a dire healthcare emergency as 320 sanctioned doctor posts remain unfilled, leaving only 139 doctors to serve a population of over 11 lakh.
The District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) operates with just 34 doctors against 126 specialist positions, while Gunupur Sub-Divisional Hospital has 11 doctors for 51 posts. Community Health Centers in Kashipur, Padmapur, and Muniguda report vacancy rates between 50% and 80%.
This shortage has forced many residents to seek emergency care in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, often at great financial strain. In tribal villages, reliance on traditional healers and herbal remedies has led to tragic outcomes.
The DHH is especially strained, with one paediatrician attending to thousands of children daily and critical specialities like cardiology, dermatology, and ENT severely understaffed.
Administrative gaps compound the crisis, with key roles such as the District Public Health Officer and ADPHOs vacant, leaving junior doctors to manage both clinical and administrative duties.
Chief District Medical Officer V. Sarojini Devi stated that vacancy reports are sent monthly and new appointments are expected soon. However, the growing patient load and lack of infrastructure continue to overwhelm the system.
Residents fear that without urgent intervention, preventable deaths and long-term health consequences will escalate, turning routine healthcare into a daily ordeal.
