Government doctors in rural areas the worst hit
Wages have not been increased to match the rising prices of commodities and services.
KOCHI: While doctors in the private sector enjoy satisfactory working conditions with all facilities even in rural areas, their counterparts in the government sector have a different story to tell. The salary pattern is unrelated to the amount of work they do, according to Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association.
“A doctor in the government sector has to work for extended hours in the most inhospitable conditions,” said Dr P.K. Sunil, secretary, KGMOA, Ernakulam. “Doctors do not get sufficient time for properly examining, diagnosing and treating the patients in OP due to pressure from various corners. Staff shortage, poor infrastructure, unscientific staff distribution, non-availability and poor quality of medicines and equipment are some of the major issues,” he said.
The situation of rural doctors in respect of wages, resources, security conditions and connectivity is still unsatisfactory in the state. Wages have not been increased to match the rising prices of commodities and services.
The average number of patients in OP section in taluk hospital is between 1,000 and 1,500 per day while in the general hospital it will be 2,000 to 2,500. Even in a PHC, there will be 100 to 300 patients. Though there are guidelines on the doctor- patient ratio, the government health sector still follows the 1961 staff
pattern which is grossly inadequate.
“Though the government brought some positive changes in 2011, staff shortage is still the biggest problem. Most of the primary health centres have only one medical officer who has to attend several meetings of the local body, district medical office and other agencies apart from implementing immunisation and preventive programmes. Many of the doctors find it tough to manage the administrative and treatment responsibilities,” he added.
Doctors do not get sufficient time for rest and refreshments, even during break time while harassment faced from patients and their relatives is another issue.
“Unable to withstand the frustration and work pressure, several doctors have quit the government sector,” added Dr. Sunil.