Sambalpur, Nov. 9: Shortage of doctors and other medical employees has hit services at district headquarters hospital here.

The hospital on an average gets more than 1,000 patients a day. Here, against 43 posts of assistant surgeons, senior medical officers and specialists, 11 are lying vacant.

Moreover, bed crunch and non-functioning of the medicine banks have also hit services at the hospital. The hospital has 143 beds. Official sources said the authorities accommodated nearly 220 patients in various wards. “It is over crowded, but we are helpless,” said a doctor.

The ultrasound machine at the hospital is lying unused because of the absence of technician to operate it. Though there are two doctors to perform endoscopy, the hospital does not have an endoscopy machine.

“Lack of set-up and manpower has left the hospital crippled. The number of doctors is less in comparison to that of patients. There is an immediate need to recruit more doctors,” said Pradipta Dash, a local resident.

“The patients are often referred to VSS Medical College and Hospital at Burla because of lack of doctors and required medical facilities in the hospital,” he said.

“Moreover, the bed number should be increased. Patients from Sambalpur city and rural areas of the district are dependent on the hospital. Here the patients, at times, have to sleep on floor because of bed crunch,” said Achyut Pradhan, relative of a patient admitted at the hospital.

Chief district medical officer Panchanan Patel said: “The vacancy statement is sent to the government every month. Despite shortcomings, we are trying our best to provide proper health service to the patients.”