Over 20 specialist doctors from the district hospital have been recalled to their parent departments, leaving the hospital unable to conduct most surgeries. Currently, cesarean deliveries are being performed only during daytime hours, and in case of complications, pregnant women requiring cesarean operations are being referred to Hubballi Hospital.
Of the eight anesthesiologists at the district hospital, seven have returned to their parent departments, causing significant distress for patients. Surgeries for conditions like hernia, appendix, and gallbladder stones have been suspended. The district hospital, once a crucial healthcare provider for the poor across Ranebennur, Hirekerur, Byadagi, Hanagal, Shiggaon, Savanur, Haveri, and Rattihalli taluks—and even neighboring areas of Sirsi and Ballari—is now struggling to serve patients. Many are forced to pay high fees at private hospitals or travel to government hospitals in Hubballi or Davanagere.
The crisis follows the establishment of a new medical college on the outskirts, which brought the district hospital under its jurisdiction. The health department subsequently ordered specialist doctors who had served for five years without transfer to return to their parent departments. A few days later, the directive was extended to doctors who had served for three years. This administrative reshuffle has left the district hospital critically understaffed, severely affecting access to essential medical care for the region’s underserved population.
