Urban Health Centre Lacks Specialists 18 Months On

Opened in December 2024, the Urban Community Health Centre (UCHC) aims to bolster secondary healthcare but has been hampered by a persistent shortage of specialist doctors. Approximately 18 months since its inauguration, the facility, equipped with a 10-bed ward, serves between 80 to 100 patients each day. However, the absence of a medicine specialist and a paediatrician forces numerous patients to be redirected to the Civil hospital for necessary consultations.

The UCHC was designed to offer specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and short-term admissions closer to urban populations, thereby reducing the strain on larger government hospitals. Despite handling common ailments and routine health issues, critical specialist posts remain unfilled. This staffing gap impacts both patient trust and the centre's operational capacity, even with free diagnostic services available.

Officials report that while medical officers manage daily operations, the lack of specialists is a significant impediment. Patients requiring immediate specialist assessment, particularly the elderly or those with chronic conditions, are frequently referred elsewhere. The centre’s medical officer, Dr. Neelam Gill, confirmed the staffing challenges but assured that existing personnel are working to maintain uninterrupted patient services.

Patients visiting the UCHC often express their need for specialists. Ramesh Kumar noted his frequent need to visit another hospital for specialist advice, while Sunita Devi highlighted that the absence of a paediatrician discourages parents. Baldev Singh commended the infrastructure and free tests but stressed the urgent requirement for adequate specialist manpower to fully serve the community and reduce the load on higher-level medical facilities.