Ludhiana, March 12 -- The Urban Dispensary operating from the civil surgeon's office complex continues to struggle with severe staff shortages and the absence of specialist doctors, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare services meant for residents.

Officials claim the dispensary records an average daily footfall of around 40-50 patients, but due to the current staff shortage, the situation appeared to be stark, with limited patients.

At present, the centre is functioning with four doctors working on a rotational basis, along with two nurses and a pharmacist, while diagnostic and laboratory services are handled by limited support staff. Two doctors attend patients in the morning shift while two others handle the evening...