8 months on, no paediatrician at Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital

For the past eight months, residents of Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district have been grappling with the absence of a paediatrician at the 150-bed Civil Hospital, a vital healthcare facility serving the region and bordering states of Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The hospital’s importance cannot be overstated, with its outpatient department (OPD) seeing over 700 patients daily, including more than 100 children. Yet, since the promotion and transfer of the previous paediatrician, Dr Abhitabh Jain, to Nahan Medical College, the vacancy has remained unfilled.

The absence of a paediatric specialist has left parents facing severe challenges, especially economically weaker families who cannot afford private hospitals or the long, costly journey to Nahan Medical College, over 50 km away. Residents from far-flung areas like Ronhat, located more than 100 km away, are among the hardest hit. A distressed parent lamented: “We travel long distances to reach this hospital, but even here, there is no paediatric doctor. Where are we supposed to go for our children’s treatment?”

Paonta Sahib’s Civil Hospital is a lifeline for residents of Shillai, Renuka Ji, Nahan and Paonta Sahib constituencies, as well as those from nearby industrial areas and neighbouring states. Despite its critical role, the lack of a paediatrician has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the public, with many accusing the Congress government and the health department of negligence.

Local MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary criticised the administration, stating: “The lack of a paediatrician for eight months in such an important hospital highlights the administration’s inefficiency. If the government does not take swift action, we will have no choice but to protest alongside the residents.”

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Sirmaur, Dr Ajay Pathak, acknowledged the issue, assuring residents that reports of the vacancy have been sent to higher authorities. “As soon as we receive posting orders of a paediatrician from the department, we will promptly ensure the joining of that paediatrician at the Civil Hospital, Paonta Sahib,” he said.

However, the prolonged delay in addressing this critical issue has eroded public trust. Parents are frequently seen wandering helplessly through the hospital corridors with their sick children, searching for solutions.

The lack of urgent action to either deputise a paediatrician temporarily or appoint one permanently has left residents questioning the promises of progress made by the government. The situation demands immediate attention to ensure children in the region receive the healthcare they desperately need, restoring public confidence in the system.