Private Doctors to Provide Treatment in State-run Hospitals Facing Staff Crunch

Ranchi: To address shortage of doctors in state-run hospitals, the Jharkhand government has decided to rope in private doctors to provide treatment in facilities where there is a lack of specialists. This was announced by the government during distribution of appointment letters to 365 community health officers (CHOs) by Chief Minister Hemant Soren here at a function on Thursday.

"The government is continuously working to enhance health infrastructure in the state. We have undertaken several initiatives in this regard and are developing a system so that residents do not need to seek treatment in other states," the Chief Minister said.

"To tackle the shortage of specialist doctors, particularly in community health centres and district hospitals, the government has decided to allow private doctors to provide treatment in these facilities. They will be offered incentives for their services," state health secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said.

The CM also highlighted the recent launch of schemes aimed at improving cleanliness, repairs, and maintenance of health centres, hospitals, and medical colleges. An annual budget of Rs 5 crore has been allocated for these purpose, he said.

"A provision of Rs 2 lakh for sub-health centres, Rs 5 lakh for primary health centres, Rs 10 lakh for community health centres, Rs 50 lakh for sub-divisional hospitals and Rs 75 lakh for district hospitals annually has been kept for the purpose of cleanliness and maintenance," Soren said.

Additionally, the CM mentioned significant recruitment efforts in the health sector and other areas to boost manpower.

"Thousands of recruitments are underway, even though some critics continue to target the government on employment issues," Soren said, apparently responding to criticism from the BJP without naming the party.

Among 365 CHOs, transgender Amir Mahato, who belongs to Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, also received an appointment letter from the CM.

"I come from a very poor family. Despite challenges, I studied hard to achieve something in life. I did my BSc and MSc in nursing from Sambalpur University. I am very happy today as I was able to fulfill my mother’s dream who wanted to become a nurse," Mahato told reporters here.