Kurseong hospital reeling with paucity of doctors

EOI, Kurseong, 10 July 2014: The myriad problems being faced by the Kurseong sub-divisional hospital doesn’t seem to ebb and are instead escalating with each passing day. A doctor with the hospital has reportedly quit for higher studies ‘orphaning’ the hospital further. The paucity of medical officers and specialists at the hospital has become a major concern as it caters to a large populace from town and its surrounding areas that stretch long distances.

Hospital sources said from December 16, 2002 to June 15, 2005, Dr AK Bera had worked at the Takdah Block Primary Health Centre as a dentist. He joined the Kurseong sub-divisional hospital on June 16, 2005. However, he bid adieu to Kurseong today for his Masters in Dental Surgery in Kolkata, a three-year degree course.

Kurseong sub-division medical officer R Mondal said she is well aware about the shortage of doctors at Kurseong hospital, but despite this, they could not stop Dr. Bera from leaving as he is going away for a good cause.

Mondal further said besides the dentist, another doctor is likely to leave the hospital soon for further studies. Doctors may come and go, but it is the responsibility of the state government to fill up existing vacancies as immediately as possible. However, this has not been the case over the years, she complained.

According to Mondal, lack of permanent doctors has compelled the hospital to bring some on deputation or by making personal requests. She added the GTA and the state government have been intimated a number of times regarding the problems being faced by the Kurseong hospital and she is hopeful some positive steps will be taken soon.