Study finds deficit in centres is 50%
The study, conducted by C.M. Lakshmana, C. Yogananda, faculty members of Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, revealed that the department has been facing shortage of drug inspectors and Group ‘D’ and ‘C’ employees.
The overall shortage of health staff in the AYUSH health centres was about 50%.
It was acute in case of Group ‘D’ employees at 80% followed by Group ‘C’ employees at 60%.
The study titled ‘Functioning of AYUSH Health Centres in Karnataka’ said that the State is home to 171 ayurveda drug companies, two units manufacturing Unani medicines and 10 homoeopathy companies, producing medicines.
But the reality is that despite having reasonable infrastructure, “the State does not have the manpower” to manage tasks for the benefit of the public.
Mr. Lakshmana, Associate Professor, Population Research Centre (PRC), ISEC, said that efforts have been made to develop physical infrastructure instead of providing necessary manpower to existing health facilities.
He said that most centres have only one staff member, who is required to handle several tasks, including acting as a pharmacist and distribute drugs. The study was conducted in several AYUSH health centres.
While Ballari district has the highest (10) hospitals in the State, Tumakuru, Hassan, Belagavi have one AYUSH centre each. Karnataka has a total of 659 AYUSH centres/dispensaries.
The study said, “Expeditious recruitment of adequate pharmacists is of the utmost importance. Handling therapy and massage by Medical Officers without technical skill will affect patient health and give rise to avoidable side effects.”
