Health complex in poor health

Physicians, patients and staff of Galachipa Upazila Health Complex in the district are worried that the old building might collapse any time as it has become unfit for use due to lack of repair work.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md Monirul Islam said a two-storey building was built for the 31-bed health complex in 1992, and was later upgraded to 50-bed hospital on November 29 in 2005.

The Health Engineering Department built a two-storey building beside the old building in 2000. The women and children's wards were kept in the old building while the administrative and outdoor facilities were shifted to the new building.

The health complex is providing service in the old building at great risk. Chunks of plaster from the roof and walls often fall off and rods have become exposed in many places of the building.

Rahima Begum, 45, of Borobaishdia village in Rangabali upazila said she came to the health complex with her grandson, who is suffering from respiratory disease and fever, and is staying in the corridor.

“We are always worried as plaster from the roof falls on the floor,” she said.

Masud Alam, relative of a patient who is under treatment in the corridor, said they are afraid the building might collapse any time.

Nadira Begum of Kawkhali village said she came here with her son as there is no health complex in Rangabali upazila, adding that they are living in fear as the building is in a very bad shape.

Around 90 patients take treatment in the health complex daily. There are only 13 physicians for 39 doctors' posts and the rest have been lying vacant for around two years, the health and family planning officer said.

They are trying their best to provide service in the health complex but they and the patients remain anxious as the building is in a very bad shape, he added.

“We sent several letters to the higher authorities concerned seeking immediate steps for renovation of the building,” Monirul said.

Health Engineering Department Assistant Engineer Md Masudul Alam said the old building should be renovated and they have informed the higher authorities about the matter.

“We can start renovation of the building after getting allocation,” he added.