Kendrapada: Healthcare services at Jagatsinghpur district headquarters hospital (DHH) have taken a hit with 80 of its 132 sanctioned doctor posts, or nearly 60%, lying vacant for more than a year, according to the patients.The hospital currently has only 52 doctors. Some departments, including radiology, anaesthesia and surgery, have had no doctors for more than six months, the sources added.Residents alleged that the acute shortage of doctors has resulted in serious patients frequently being referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. “Nearly 60% of the sanctioned doctor posts are vacant. As a result, serious patients are often referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital,” said Narendra Samal, a retired school teacher from Jagatsinghpur.Jagatsinghpur chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr Saroj Kumar Jena acknowledged the vacancies. “We have already informed the authorities about the vacant doctor posts in the district. We hope the govt will soon appoint more doctors,” he said.The shortage has also caused concern because Paradip, the district’s port and industrial hub, is home to around 15 industries, factories and plants. Residents alleged that pollution from industrial activity and coal dust has contributed to health problems among people in and around the area.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had identified Paradip as a severely polluted industrial area under its Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI). An IIT Delhi study had also identified the Paradip industrial hub as one of the country’s polluted areas.“Coal dust from Paradip port is not confined to the port and nearby areas. Winds carry the fine dust particles to distant places, causing health problems. The govt should appoint more doctors at the hospital,” said Binayak Rout, a lawyer from Jagatsinghpur.Residents also alleged that the DHH suffers from inadequate staff, infrastructure and medicines, forcing many patients to seek treatment at private nursing homes in Jagatsinghpur and other towns.“The shortage of doctors is causing immense inconvenience to patients and putting an additional financial burden on them as they are forced to visit private nursing homes. The govt should appoint more doctors and improve existing facilities,” said Bhabani Das, a social worker.