Ludhiana's Public Health Emergency: Critical Doctor Shortage Plagues Civil Hospital, Leaving Patients Stranded

Ludhiana's Civil Hospital, a crucial pillar of public healthcare for thousands, is in the throes of a severe crisis. A staggering shortage of over 40 doctors across various critical departments has brought the institution to its knees, inflicting immense suffering upon patients and placing an unbearable burden on the existing, overstretched medical staff.

Imagine a hospital where essential services are perpetually understaffed – this is the grim reality faced by Ludhiana.

From the delicate needs of newborns in pediatrics to life-saving interventions in surgery, the absence of crucial medical professionals is palpable. Departments like gynaecology, orthopaedics, general medicine, and even anaesthesia are operating with skeleton crews, forcing countless patients into agonizing waits or, worse, turning them away.

The impact on the most vulnerable is heartbreaking.

Pregnant women often face extended delays for check-ups, while those requiring urgent surgical procedures find themselves referred to distant, often expensive, private facilities. Elderly patients battling chronic illnesses endure longer queues and reduced attention, their health hanging precariously in the balance.

This isn't just an administrative oversight; it's a direct assault on the right to accessible healthcare for Ludhiana's citizens.

The dedicated doctors who remain are fighting a losing battle against overwhelming odds. Working extended hours, handling a caseload far beyond reasonable limits, and grappling with the emotional toll of seeing patients suffer due to systemic failures, their resilience is being pushed to its breaking point.

This burnout not only compromises their well-being but also risks the quality of care they can provide under such intense pressure.

While officials acknowledge the vacancies, the pace of recruitment remains agonizingly slow. Bureaucratic hurdles, delayed approvals, and a seemingly endless wait for new postings have perpetuated this dire situation for far too long.

The community's outcry grows louder with each passing day, demanding immediate and decisive action from health authorities to fill these critical positions.

The Ludhiana Civil Hospital isn't just a building; it's a lifeline for many. Allowing it to operate under such crippling conditions is a disservice to the public and a grave neglect of public health.

It's imperative that the government steps in with urgent measures to fast-track recruitment, address the root causes of these persistent vacancies, and restore the hospital's capacity to serve its community effectively and compassionately.