Haveri: Patients at the Haveri District Hospital have been left in distress as the facility struggles without specialist doctors, particularly for deliveries and emergency care. The crisis began when the department of health and family welfare withdrew the services of officials, doctors, and staff assigned to autonomous medical colleges and hospitals under the department of medical education. In line with orders from the department’s deputy secretaries, doctors serving at the district hospital were directed to self-relieve and report back to the parent department, leaving the hospital understaffed. This move followed the earlier transfer of the district hospital’s administration to the department of medical education after the launch of the Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS).This shift has led to a severe shortage of specialist personnel. Doctors, technicians, and nursing staff — many of whom had served the district hospital for years — were forced to vacate their positions. The transition has left a vacuum, with no immediate arrangements made to fill the crucial roles.As of now, all major specialist positions at the district hospital remain vacant. In the past two months, nine specialist doctors were transferred out, and recently, 13 more have returned to the health department, resulting in 22 vacant specialist posts. These include obstetricians, gynaecologists, general physicians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, and dermatologists. While the hospital still handles normal deliveries, there are no doctors available for caesarean sections.Currently, 19 doctors from the medical education department are managing the hospital’s services, but they are unable to meet the demands. Even the position of the district surgeon is at risk of being vacated. With no replacements in sight, patients — especially those from rural areas — are bearing the brunt.“Due to the vacancies of specialist doctor positions at the district hospital, emergency treatment is currently unavailable. There are no doctors to perform caesarean sections for women who cannot bear labour pains. Five anaesthetists have been released. Patients coming to the district hospital from rural areas for emergency treatment are being referred to KIMS in Hubballi. The hospital is limited to OPD and minor ailments. People coming from distant villages see the board saying ‘No doctors, please cooperate and leave,” said BJP functionary Bhojaraj Karudi.QUOTES:“As per the directive from the department of health and family welfare, 13 doctors posted at the district hospital have self-relieved themselves this month. The lack of alternative arrangements for these vacancies has led to difficulties. I have brought this issue to the attention of our department secretary, who has assured that 13 retired doctors will be reinstated at Haveri District Hospital.”— Dr Pradeepkumar MV, director, HIMS“Due to the shortage of doctors, surgeries — except for emergencies — and most other procedures beyond OPD services are currently not being performed. The staff have self-relieved in line with the department’s orders. However, the situation is expected to be resolved soon.”– Dr PR Havanur, district surgeon
