FKJGP draws attention to shortage of doctors in JH

SHILLONG: PHCs and CHCs in East and West Jaintia Hills districts of the State are facing an acute shortage of doctors. Apprising Health Minister AL Hek of the matter, the FKJGP, Jaintia Hills unit on Thursday urged the government to address the issue at the earliest in the best interest of the people of the area.
Speaking to media persons after submitting a memorandum to the health minister here, the FKJGP’s Jaintia Hills Unit president, Tuesday Lytep said that the shortage of doctors has been largely caused by medical students opting for higher studies after completion of MBBS course.
While lamenting that as many as five CHCs and PHCs including Jarain PHC, Namdong CHC, Nangbah CHC, Iooksi PHC in West Jaintia Hills District and Bataw CHC in East Jaintia Hills District were functioning without doctors, the pressure group suggested the government to put some kind of restriction in place to ensure that the State does not continue to suffer from the shortage.
“The failure on the part of the government quota doctors to join government hospitals is also adding to the shortage in the two districts,” the FKJGP said while demanding that the government should increase the bond amount to Rs 5 crore in order to discourage the doctors from quitting.
The minister, however, said that it will not be possible for the government to impose such a huge bond amount. He assured that the issues will be discussed in a committee which also comprises of doctors from the State.