Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling revealed in the state assembly on Monday that over 74% of specialist doctor posts in government-run Community Health Centres (CHCs) remain unfilled, highlighting a significant healthcare staffing challenge.

Out of the 1,500 sanctioned specialist doctor posts across 375 CHCs in the state, only 386 positions are currently occupied. “This gap severely impacts the healthcare services, especially in rural and tribal-dominated districts,” Mahaling said, responding to a question by BJD MLA Prasanta Behera.

The situation is particularly dire in districts like Deogarh, where only one specialist doctor serves against 16 sanctioned positions. Similarly, Rayagada, a tribal-majority district, has just three specialists for its 44 sanctioned posts.

The minister assured the assembly that steps are being taken to recruit more specialists and bridge the gap in healthcare delivery. However, the pressing need for a robust recruitment drive and measures to retain medical professionals in underserved regions remains a critical issue.

This staffing shortfall underscores the challenges faced in improving healthcare infrastructure and services in Odisha’s rural and tribal areas.