There are no doctors in Bastar, only waiting – when treatment becomes a struggle

 Bastar’s Healthcare Crisis: Empty Hospitals, Empty Promises?-Bastar, a region rich in natural resources, faces a tragic irony: a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. While hospitals stand as concrete structures, they remain largely empty shells, lacking the doctors needed to treat the population.

 A Doctor Shortage Cripples Healthcare-The situation is dire across all seven districts of Bastar. The region needs 355 specialist doctors, yet only 45 are currently employed. Sukma district has zero specialists, Bijapur has 3, Dantewada 4, Narayanpur 5, Kondagaon 7, Kanker 14, and Bastar district only 12. These empty positions represent unmet needs and lost lives.

 Overburdened Hospitals, Endless Waits-The existing doctors are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients. From Naxalite violence and road accidents to complicated deliveries and viral outbreaks, the limited medical staff struggles to cope. Long waits in the outpatient department (OPD), extended delays for surgeries, and frequent doctor absences are commonplace. Patients are left in limbo, unsure when – or if – they will receive the care they desperately need.

 Wasted Funds, Unfulfilled Promises-The District Mineral Fund (DMF) is intended to improve healthcare infrastructure, including doctor recruitment. However, in most districts, this fund is poorly utilized, with little impact on the doctor shortage. Except for Dantewada, the DMF’s potential to improve healthcare remains largely untapped.

 Political Posturing vs. Real Needs-The healthcare crisis has become a political battleground. While the opposition criticizes the government’s inaction, the ruling party offers promises of future appointments. However, for the people of Bastar, these are mere words. They need immediate access to qualified doctors and life-saving treatment.

The Urgent Need for Action-The question isn’t *why* the positions are vacant, but *when* they will be filled. Without swift action, these hospitals will continue to be empty promises, leaving patients with nothing but despair and regret. It’s time for policies to translate into tangible improvements on the ground.