Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 -- Odisha currently has one doctor for every 1,735 residents, falling short of the World Health Organisation's recommended ratio of one doctor per 1,000 people, Health & Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the State Assembly today.
Responding in writing to a question raised by BJD legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain, the Minister stated that 4,880 posts of Medical Officers remain vacant across government hospitals in the state.
Out of the 15,774 sanctioned posts for Medical Officers, only 10,894 are currently filled. This figure includes positions such as Assistant Professors and Assistant Surgeons.
The shortage extends beyond Medical Officers, he said, adding that the state has 23 vacant posts of Pharmaci...