An acute mismatch between rising patient numbers and available manpower has raised serious concerns over healthcare delivery at Adoor General Hospital, one of the busiest government hospitals in the district.The hospital receives around 1,800 outpatients every day and performs a large number of surgeries in orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology and ENT. However, despite the heavy patient load, it continues to function with the staff pattern of a taluk hospital, according to the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA).The association said several sanctioned posts, including those of consultant anaesthetist, consultant orthopaedician and casualty medical officers, have remained vacant for months. The staff shortage has placed enormous pressure on the existing workforce and affected the delivery of healthcare services, it alleged.“The prolonged absence of an anaesthetist has severely disrupted round the clock maternity services. Pregnant women requiring emergency obstetric care are frequently being referred to other hospitals, while both elective and emergency surgeries are being delayed due to the lack of anaesthesia support,” a source said.Orthopaedic services have also come under strain, with only one doctor currently serving in the department. The long vacant consultant orthopaedician post has affected both outpatient services and surgeries, while the long standing public demand for a trauma care facility remains unaddressed.Official sources also pointed out that the hospital does not have a forensic surgeon, which has forced families to shift bodies to other hospitals for post mortem examinations.The KGMOA has also linked the staff shortage to the increasing instances of violence against healthcare workers. It cited an incident on June 14 in which a group allegedly created a tense situation in the casualty department after doctors referred a patient with a serious hand injury to a medical college for specialised treatment. The association alleged that a local councillor led the confrontation and claimed that police failed to take timely action despite being informed.The association further criticised the authorities for terminating the services of a doctor appointed to strengthen emergency, general outpatient and evening outpatient services, allegedly without paying salary, even as communicable diseases are on the rise and patient inflow continues to increase. Published - June 30, 2026 07:16 pm IST