Two doctors for 500,000 people!
It is unthinkable that in two upazila health complexes (Amtali and Kukua) of Barisal district, there are only two doctors appointed. The general populace falling under the area of work of these two complexes is approximately 500,000 people. According to a report published in a leading Bangla daily, the number of doctors supposed to be working in these two centres is 39. It is baffling to think how a single doctor is looking after Taltoli Upazila Health Complex under Amtali, another health centre, two satellite clinics and five union satellite clinics. A similar situation exists for the doctor in charge of the other upazila health complex.
Is it any wonder that patients get the most rudimentary of treatments when they visit these health complexes? The satellite clinics have been shut since September 1 due to lack of medical staff while other clinics may have not closed down, but no treatment is possible because there is no doctor. How is it that the ministry of health does not take steps to appoint requisite doctors, especially where there is a 50-bed hospital in Amtoli? The poor and disadvantaged of the area are suffering in these upazillas, especially where there are anywhere between 250-300 people coming in the hope of getting treatment every day. The prevailing situation is unacceptable and we hope that the ministry will take steps to rectify the situation in the interests of public health of the area.
Comments