RTI Data Shows Uttarakhand Short of 545 Specialist Doctors, 52,942 Patients Referred Out
RTI responses show only 295 of 840 sanctioned specialist posts filled at government hospitals, with tens of thousands of patients referred elsewhere for care.
Current Summary
RTI data obtained from Uttarakhand's Health Department, in response to applications filed in September 2026, shows more than 52,000 patients were referred to higher medical centres this year because required facilities were unavailable at government hospitals. Of 840 sanctioned specialist posts across community health centres, district hospitals and sub-district hospitals statewide, only 295 doctors are currently working. The shortage is most acute at community health centres, where 346 of 401 sanctioned specialist posts, nearly 86 percent, are vacant, including shortages of physicians, anaesthetists and surgeons. District hospitals have 65 of 182 sanctioned specialist posts vacant, and sub-district hospitals have 134 of 257 posts vacant. The RTI was filed by Haridwar-based National Public Trust.
What We Know
- 52,942 patients were referred to higher medical centres this year due to unavailable facilities at government hospitals.
- Of 840 sanctioned specialist posts statewide, only 295 are filled, a vacancy rate of nearly 65 percent.
- At 80 community health centres, 346 of 401 sanctioned specialist posts are vacant.
- Only 9 of 81 sanctioned physician posts, 9 of 80 anaesthetist posts, and 11 of 80 surgeon posts at CHCs are filled.
- District hospitals have 65 of 182 sanctioned specialist posts vacant; sub-district hospitals have 134 of 257 vacant.
- The data comes from RTI responses dated September 26 and 30, 2026, obtained by Haridwar-based National Public Trust.
What Is Still Unclear
- Government plans or timelines to fill the vacant specialist posts.
- Whether recruitment drives are underway for these positions.
What Changed
- 8 Oct, 02:31 pmSignal detected: RTI Data Shows Uttarakhand Short of 545 Specialist Doctors, 52,942 Patients Referred Out
Background
The disclosure comes as the state separately investigates suspected irregularities in MBBS admissions.