In a dire state for 50 years

Khulna Infectious Disease Hospital has been facing multiple problems for over the last fifty years. This, in turn, has made it almost impossible to offer quality treatment to patients.

The 20-bed hospital, established near Khulna-Jashore highway at Mirerdanga area in 1968, provides treatment to those infected with tetanus, diphtheria, chickenpox, rabies, mums, diarrhoea, pneumatic tetanus, varicella, measles and hydrophobia.

This is the only infectious-disease hospital in the south-western region, where patients have been coming from 21 districts for treating such diseases for over 50 years.

In the six-ward hospital, there are no separate wards for male and female patients. Although almost half the patients are children, no paediatrician has been appointed in a long time. 

During a recent visit to the hospital at Phulbari gate, this correspondent found the hospital building in a dilapidated and risky state, due to lack of renovation.  Three buildings for staffers have already been abandoned, with the northern side entirely unprotected.

According to the civil surgeon office, the hospital, built on four acres of land, started its journey with 20 beds. Although 54 years have passed, the number of beds has not increased, neither has the number of staff. However, the number of patients is increasing day by day.

In 2018, 5,498 patients were admitted to the hospital, while the number was 5,331 in 2019. This year 2,100 patients have been admitted to the hospital till June.

On-duty medical officer Shaila Nahid said even the slightest shower during monsoon causes rainwater to leak through the ceiling, causing suffering to patients. It is especially difficult for female patients due to the lack of privacy and relaxed security.

"Dampness has caused the plaster to peel off large parts of the ceiling and walls. The hospital premises have turned into a good breeding ground for mosquitoes due to excessive bushes and lack of cleaning," she added.

Mahamuda Nipa, who  was attending to her adolescent daughter suffering from diarrhoea, said it is uncomfortable to stay in the same ward with male patients.

"The authority should put some boundaries at least," she said.

Md Rashel Ahmed got admitted with food poisoning in the first week of May, along with his four colleagues.

"I couldn't bear the odour that was all around the hospital, coming from the abandoned spaces. The wash rooms were a nightmare too," he said.

"When we asked them to clean the wash room, the hospital authority said there was no cleaner."

Medical Officer Md Habibur Rahman said there are only two medical officers, whereas at least five are required to run  the hospital properly.

"There are three vacant posts for cleaning staff. There are no night guards or office assistants. The pharmacist himself performs all these duties. Sometimes, doctors need to be on duty for 24 hours," he said.

"We have sent a letter to higher authorities seeking support to construct a new building and transform it into a 50-bed hospital. But we are yet to receive any response from them," said Suzat Ahmed, Khulna civil surgeon.

About lack of doctors, he said no doctor wants to stay in the hospital due to its poor condition. The situation will improve once the new building is constructed, he added.