Patients left stranded as staff absenteeism plagues urban health centers

Patients visiting urban health centers across the city are facing long waits and denied medical care as staff absenteeism and shortages disrupt services meant to be accessible and reliable. Families relying on these centers for routine check-ups and essential tests are increasingly frustrated.

The city has 66 urban health centers, each designed to have seven staff members: a doctor, two nurses, a pharmacist, a lab technician, a DEO, and a last-grade service worker. All personnel are expected to be on duty from morning to evening. Many centers, however, are failing to meet this basic requirement.

During a recent inspection at the Pithapuram Colony center, officials found both the doctor and nurses absent, prompting show-cause notices. Similar absenteeism has been reported at several other centers, where staff mark attendance in the morning and leave shortly after, leaving patients unattended for hours.

Residents shared their frustration. “I came for my mother’s blood tests, but the lab technician was not available. We had to leave without getting anything done,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local resident. Sunitha Rao added, “We waited for over two hours to meet the doctor, only to find she had left after marking attendance. This is very disappointing, especially for families relying on these centers for regular check-ups.”

Urban health centers are equipped to conduct 64 types of medical tests and provide 172 types of medicines. While some centers function efficiently, inconsistent staffing and weak supervision have caused others to fall short.

District Medical and Health Department Officer Dr. P. Jagadishwar Rao said the department is fully focused on urban health centers and urged the public to file complaints if staff are unavailable. He added that strict action would be taken against negligent personnel.

Healthcare activists have called for stronger monitoring and accountability. “These centers are supposed to provide reliable healthcare, particularly to underprivileged residents. Staff absenteeism undermines the entire purpose,” said Dr. Anjali Menon, a local public health advocate.