A crucial government-run health and welfare centre in Bihar's West Champaran district is grappling with a debilitating staff crisis, severely hampering its ability to provide essential services to vulnerable citizens. The Buniyad Centre in Bagaha, established under the state's social welfare department, is functioning with a skeletal team, leaving most of its facilities non-operational.
A Centre Running on Fumes
Against a sanctioned strength of 13 employees, only three are currently posted at the Bagaha Buniyad Centre. This acute shortage has rendered most services defunct, directly impacting elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and widows who depend on the centre for critical care. The centre, located near the sub-divisional office, is now largely sustained by the efforts of a lone senior physiotherapist, supported only by a centre manager and a case manager.
These centres are designed to be hubs for comprehensive support, offering services like physiotherapy, orthopaedic assessments, speech therapy, and eye and ear consultations. Modern equipment for these purposes has been supplied under government welfare schemes. However, in Bagaha, the absence of specialised staff means this equipment lies underutilised.
Patients Bear the Brunt of Administrative Failure
The direct consequence of this staff crisis is a drastic reduction in service availability. Most specialised treatments are now offered merely one or two days a week, leading to long waiting periods and forcing many patients to return home without receiving the treatment they desperately need.
Centre manager Smita Seetu outlined the grim reality, stating, "Currently, only three people are working here – myself, case manager Ajit Kumar and senior physiotherapist Murad Alam." She confirmed that the remaining staff were transferred about six months ago, and no replacements have been appointed since. "Despite this, the physiotherapy facility is mainly available and is being utilised by a large number of people. Senior physiotherapist Murad Alam provides his services regularly. For other services, people still have to wait. We are trying our best," Seetu added.
The frustration is palpable among beneficiaries. Kiran Devi, who visited the centre for her disabled child's treatment, pointed out the stark contrast between infrastructure and execution. She noted that the government constructed a large building and provided modern equipment, "but if there are no doctors from different departments, who will provide the treatment?" She was informed by staff that doctors and other specialists had simply not been appointed.
Political Intervention Sought
The issue has drawn the attention of local representatives. Bagaha BJP MLA Ram Singh stated that he learned about the severe shortage of doctors from locals. He has pledged to raise the matter with the social welfare department minister and push for the immediate appointment of specialists. The goal is to ensure all departments of the Buniyad Centre become fully functional, fulfilling its intended role as a pillar of community health and support.
The situation in Bagaha highlights a critical gap in the implementation of social welfare schemes, where infrastructure and equipment are provided but the human resources required to operate them effectively are neglected. This leaves the most vulnerable sections of society, for whom these centres are a lifeline, struggling to access basic healthcare and therapeutic services.
