BackSCIENCE_HEALTH
Ludhiana Civil Hospital relies on private doctors as specialist shortage cripples services
The civil hospital in Ludhiana is operating without regular full-time specialists in medicine, dermatology, and cardiology. Authorities are relying on empanelled private doctors and deputation-based arrangements to maintain key services, while nursing shortages worsen capacity and patient care continuity.
Why It Matters
Public access to essential medical services is impeded by the lack of regular specialists, forcing patients to depend on potentially fragmented care and private options they may not afford. Continuity of treatment for chronic conditions is particularly at risk.
Timeline
1 Event
Shortage of regular specialists leads to reliance on empanelled private doctors and deputations at Ludhiana Civil Hospital
April 20, 2026
A shortage of regular specialist doctors at Ludhiana Civil Hospital has disrupted patient care in core departments. Medicine and dermatology are reportedly without full-time specialists, while cardiology has no regular specialist posted. One sanctioned post in medicine exists but the doctor is on deputation and visits only on Saturdays. Two empanelled private doctors attend OPD for about three hours each. Dermatology operates under a similar system, and cardiology receives no regular specialist. Nursing shortages intensify the strain, with about 66 nurses available against a requirement of 130–135. Patients who cannot afford private treatment rely on government services, and continuity of care is challenged due to fragmented access to specialists and varying doctor availability for follow-ups.