The data gathered in August shows government/elected officials made only 83 visits to the monitored dispensaries (June-August 2012 quarter), meaning at least 50 percent facilities were ignored altogether, says a Free and Fair Election (FAFEN) report.
The report released on Friday said low oversight often leaves staff at dispensaries taking little interest in their duties. Therefore, informed and regular oversight ensures institutions perform better.
FAFEN monitors visited 167 dispensaries in 99 districts to collect relevant data and assess their overall condition. The monitors found medical staff (doctors) not posted at 28 percent dispensaries. However, among paramedical staff, the men's occupancy rate was 90 percent and for women staff 80 percent. Similarly, watchmen and sanitary workers' (support staff) occupancy stood at 91 percent and 83 percent. Assessment of general facilities showed 29 percent dispensaries having no boundary walls with 40 percent operating out of dilapidated buildings; 46 percent did not have arrangements for clean drinking water for patients; 50 percent had no lavatories with running water; 27 percent lacked proper shades/places for waiting patients; 56 percent were without sterilises while another 36 percent lacked syringe cutters.