Ramechhap, February 25 Over 100 posts of health workers are lying vacant in health centres in the rural areas of Ramechhap, making it difficult for them to provide services effectively. According to chief at the District Public Health Office, Dr Prakash Shah, a total of 101 posts of health workers are lying vacant in the district. “As many as 28 sub-health posts were upgraded into health posts six months ago, but the vacant positions of health workers have yet to be filled,” said Shah. According to Shah, 35 posts of assistant health worker, 31 posts of health assistant and 32 posts of auxiliary nursing midwife, among other posts, are lying vacant in the health posts of the district. “Some of the health posts are manned by a single health worker,” he said, adding that the authorities were reluctant to send replacements for health workers transferred from the district. “After the health workers get transferred, it takes months for the authorities to send replacements. This has added to our problems,” said Shah.“In view of the manpower crunch, we are trying our best to make do even by getting health workers here on deputation but that is not helping us much,” said Shah, adding that his office has also informed the Public Service Commission regarding the vacant posts in the district.