Doctor shortage disrupts services

An acute shortage of doctors at the Kalukhali Upazila Health Complex in Rajbari has left health services in disarray for nearly two lakh residents.

Only five doctors are serving the hospital against 17 sanctioned positions. Currently, only the upazila health and family planning officer, a gynecology consultant, two medical officers and a dental surgeon are posted at the hospital, while three doctors are on deputation elsewhere, two are undergoing training, and seven posts remain vacant.

The absence of an anesthesiologist, in particular, has halted all surgical procedures, including Caesarean sections since February.

Moreover, while being designated as a 50-bed hospital, the health complex receives medical supplies meant for 30-bed facilities, adding to its woes.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found the emergency unit and outpatient department quite overwhelmed with patients, while the operating theatreon the upper floor lies non-functional.

Dr Atish Dipankar, a medical officer at the hospital, said at least 200 patients come for treatment at the outpatient department, and nearly 40 patients get admitted daily, alongside some patients at the emergency unit. 

Prodip Biswas, 26, from Chandipur village, whose mother is currently admitted to the hospital, said, "The district hospital is 25 kilometres from here, so we rely on this facility for urgent health services. However, due to the prevailing shortage of doctors, the hospital often refers critical patients to Rajbari or Faridpur, leading to delay in treatment."

Ananda Kumar Shil, 39, of the village, echoed him.

Dr Israt Jahan Ummon, upazila health and family planning officer in Kalukhali, said, "Just two doctors now run the operations, often working 24-hour shifts to cover both emergency and outpatient services. Only cesarean surgery used to be conducted here, but it has been suspended due to lack of anesthesiologist. Although we have diagnostic equipment, we can hardly utilise them amid manpower shortage. I have informed the civil surgeon about the situation."

Rajbari Civil Surgeon Dr SM Masud said they have notified higher authorities to resolve the crisis.