The emergency gynaecology wing of Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) has come to a standstill owing to shortage of doctors and failure of the health department to address the issue.

SKMCH superintendent G.K. Thakur said healthcare has received a jolt because of a drop in the number of medicos. “The emergency functioning of the gynaecology ward has been abruptly stopped. There is an assistant medico and a resident doctor to attend to the patients in the gynaecology ward.”

A similar situation of shortage of doctors is prevailing in the orthopaedic ward also. Sources said 69 doctors are working against the sanctioned strength of 110 at the SKMCH.

There are 52 paramedical staff against the strength of 116. Three doctors posted at preventive and social medicine department have been asked to look after the patients of the outdoor wards.

Chief medical officer Giyan Bhushan has provided five doctors from different government hospitals on deputation to cope with the crisis.

Sources said on an average, 1,200 people visit the outdoor patient department. “There is always a heavy rush of other patients in different wards,” said a doctor.

Admitted in the gynaecology ward, Suniana Devi of Kolhuva village said: “I have been writhing in pain for three days but there is no one except some nurses.”

Repeated attempts to contact principal secretary, health, Deepak Kumar proved futile.