Shortage of docs for years

A large number of patients are deprived of  adequate medical services at Charbhadrasan Upazila Health Complex due to many problems, including shortage of physicians, for years.

The 31-bed health complex established on 6.95 acres of land in 1977 was upgraded to a 50-bed one in 2012.

The government started its operation as a 50-bed complex in 2017 but the overall situation remained virtually unchanged.

“There are only four junior consultants against five posts; two of them are on deputation in Dhaka and Tangail for one year. Besides, the posts of resident medical officer, pathology medical officer, alternative care medical officer and three posts of medical technician, have remained vacant for long. The X-ray machine has been out of order for 14 years,” said Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Abul Kalam Azad.

This correspondent recently found some patients waiting for a doctor, who was late in attending his duty. 

Monowara Begum of MP Dangi village said she came to the complex with her grandson and was waiting for a doctor, not knowing when he will come.

Bablu Shikder of Badula Matbor Dangi village said he came with fever to meet a doctor but did not know when he would come.

“Patients have to go to private clinics for diagnostic tests as the lone X-ray machine of the hospital lies inoperative. We the poor cannot afford such a costly private treatment,” Babul added.

Monowara Khatun of Sadarpur upazila said she heard that there was a very good junior gynaecology consultant in the hospital. But the doctor does not come to the hospital regularly, so she is going back home.

“I have joined recently, so I do not know about the problems. But I shall visit Charbhadrasan health complex very soon and take necessary steps,” said Faridpur Civil Surgeon Md Abu Jaher.