Shortage of doctors hits Ferozepur eye hospital

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, January 3

The state-of-the-art eye hospital, which was constructed at Rs 5.5 crore, has become a white elephant in the absence of any superspecialist doctors, paramedical staff and specialised equipment to treat patients. The only eye specialist working here resigned recently.

The patients have to depend on eye camps being organised by NGOs. During these camps also, the adequate equipment is not available and sterile conditions are not maintained. Dr Davinderpal Singh Gill, eye specialist, who recently resigned, said he had submitted his resignation in September due to some family issues. “I was working here since the inception of the hospital. As many 600 surgeries have been performed here with the help of local NGOs.”

Sandeep Bajaj, ophthalmic officer at the hospital, said around 50-60 patients came to the OPD daily. “However, no surgeries are being conducted here, and critical patients are referred to the Government Medical College, Faridkot,” he said. Dr Sanjiv Gupta, Assistant Civil Surgeon, said he had written to the Health Department regarding the shortage of staff and unavailability of superspecialist doctors. “The eye surgeon deputed at the Zira Civil Hospital is also on leave. There are two ophthalmic officers,” he said.