Bhubaneswar, March 9: Odisha currently has one doctor for every 1,265 people, falling short of the World Health Organisation's recommended ratio of one doctor per 1,000 people. The State Assembly was informed on Monday.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling in a written reply informed the House that out of the sanctioned strength of 15,793 doctors in the State, as many as 4,697 doctor posts are lying vacant.

The Minister informed that as many as 1,459 doctors from various districts are now under study leave. So, to manage the healthcare activities, Leave Training Reserve Medical Officer (LTRMO) are being engaged against such vacancies, the Minister said.

Similarly, the Minister informed the House that steps are being taken by the State Government to initiate stern action against long absentee doctors as per the law.“Recruitment process of 5,248 doctors have been completed by the Odisha Public Service Commission. However, the results have not been published as per the order of Orissa High Court,” the Minister told the House.

The Minister further told the House that the Government is working to address this crisis.

The Minister asserted the House that the Government is working to address this crisis in a phased manner through various measures.