Child patients suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome is treated in a hospital ward in Muzaffarpur

PATNA: One doctor to serve an average 29,000 population and one hospital bed per 8,645 people sums up the healthcare scenario in Bihar , which witnessed the death of over 200 people, mostly children and elderly, during the last one fortnight.

While over 112 children below the age of 10 years died due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and its adjoining districts in north Bihar, more than 90 people lost their lives due to heatstroke in Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui districts in south and central Bihar. However, the unofficial records show much high casualties in the two separate tragedies.

The situation can be gauged from the fact that only 3.94% of the state’s total expenditure is for health, which is the second lowest after Haryana. On the contrary, its neighbouring state Uttar Pradesh spends 5.07% of its total expenditure on healthcare. Moreover, the per capita expenditure on health is lowest in the state at Rs.495 compared to Rs 733 in Uttar Pradesh, the third lowest in the country.

According to authoritative sources, there are 11,373 sanctioned posts of doctors in the state. But almost 50% of the posts are still vacant. The magnitude of the problem can be gauged from the fact that only one doctor was on duty when people with complaints of heatstroke started rushing to the Aurangabad sadar hospital for treatment last week.

Statistics available with the health department revealed that only 12 doctors were serving at Aurangabad sadar hospital against sanctioned strength of 45. Similarly, 16% of the sanctioned strength of the doctors were posted in Sitamarhi district , which is in the grip of AES. The situation is no better in Patna, Vaishali and Bhojpur districts.

Till date 41 people have died due to heatstroke in Aurangabad followed by 35 in Gaya, 12 in Nawada and two in Jamui districts. Majority of the deceased were above the age of 60 years.

Former chief secretary of united Bihar V S Dubey said, “ It’s a fact the state's budget in health sector is very low compared to other states. But what is more important is that whatever the infrastructure the state has, is not being utilized properly and effectively. The result is obvious. It’s high time the government should take notice of it and improve the condition accordingly.”

Dubey expressed concern over doctors’ strike on one pretext or the other. “ There have been instances when relatives and attendants of patients were assaulted by doctors in the government hospitals for asking for proper care of their patients. On the other hand, doctors are too beaten up by the attendants. It’s two way. It shouldn’t happen,” he added.

Referring to the AES deaths in Muzaffarpur and its adjoining districts, the ex-chief secretary said over 1000 children have died in the state ever since the brain fever or ‘chamki bukhar’ was detected in the state in 1994-95. The situation has not improved even today and children belonging to lower strata are dying everyday.

State health minister Mangal Pandey admitted that there was dearth of doctors in government hospitals. He, however, said that appointment of around 1000 medical officers, 2200 specialist doctors, 6300 ANMs and 558 dentists was on the cards. “Certain changes have been brought about in the appointment/selection rules to expedite the process,” he said.

“Earlier, all appointments in the health department were made through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), which is already over burdened with lots of vacancies in different government departments. Now, the Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC) has been set up by the government for appointment of doctors, medical officers and other employees health department,” Pandey said.

Besides, efforts were on to improve the infrastructure as well. Three new medical colleges in Purnia, Chhapra (Saran) and Samastipur would be set up in the state soon. Altogether 11 medical colleges are proposed to be opened in Bihar.

