THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, Dec 24: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari on Wednesday spent about 35 minutes attending OPD duty at Dhanbad Sadar Hospital, during which he examined only three patients.
The visit drew criticism as a large number of patients, especially poor women from remote areas, had gathered at the hospital since morning following prior publicity about the minister’s OPD schedule.
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Patients began arriving as early as 9.30 am, hoping to consult the minister. However, many were left disappointed when the OPD session ended quickly while over 50 people were still waiting in line.
Delays in schedule, patients left waiting
As per the pre-announced programme, the minister was scheduled to sit in the OPD at 10.30 am, which was later postponed to 11.30 am. Eventually, he reached the hospital at around 1.45 pm. After examining three patients, including a child, he left for an inspection of Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH).
Civil Surgeon Dr Alok Vishwakarma and Deputy Superintendent Dr Sanjeev Kumar assisted the minister during the brief OPD session. Despite extensive preparations and the creation of a dedicated OPD chamber (Chamber 8), the short duration of the visit caused visible frustration among waiting patients.
Patients express disappointment
Rubijan Khatoon, a 50-year-old woman from a village in Barwadda, said she arrived at the hospital at 10 am and waited nearly four hours. She said she had hoped the minister would ensure her proper treatment and medicines, but had to return without being seen.
Many others echoed similar sentiments, questioning why such a heavily publicised programme resulted in so few consultations.
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Second OPD duty by minister
This was the second instance of Dr Ansari attending OPD duties at a sadar hospital. Earlier, on December 3, he had examined seven patients during a similar visit to Jamshedpur Sadar Hospital.
Hospital premises were decorated and security arrangements strengthened ahead of the minister’s visit, reflecting the scale of preparations made for the event.
Minister promises OPD visits across districts
Addressing the media later, the health minister said he plans to attend OPD services in Sadar hospitals across all districts of Jharkhand as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery. He admitted that both Sadar hospitals and medical colleges in the state are facing an acute shortage of doctors.
Dr Ansari said he held detailed discussions with the Chief Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) in Ranchi on Tuesday to address the staffing crisis, expressing confidence that the government would resolve the issue soon.
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The minister also remarked that it was unfortunate that even after 25 years of Jharkhand’s formation, a Medical Council has not yet been established in the state, indirectly targeting previous governments without naming any party.
