One ambulance for 300 patients

Although Mollahat Upazila Health Complex in Bagerhat has two government ambulances, only one of them is currently operational. With no intention of repairs or replacement, the other one has been sitting in their garage for the past one and a half years.

According to sources, the complex was allotted an ambulance (Dhaka-162/2) for the fiscal year 2020-2021 on September 15, 2021, and arrived at the hospital within the next few days. However, the vehicle, worth Tk 45 lakh, has not made any trips since then due to the absence of a driver.

Meanwhile, the four wheels of the vehicle, alongside many other valuable parts, were stolen, despite two night guards being on regular duty.

A general daily (GD) was filed last year with Mollahat Police Station after the ambulance wheels were stolen. Another GD was filed on February 5 this year, after the windows of the ambulance were found broken. Its oxygen and firebox cylinder, a 12-volt battery and the cover of the mobile chamber were also missing. However, no case has been filed by the authorities yet.

Around 200-300 patients are treated by the health complex daily with only one ambulance, said Mahfuza Khatun, upazila health officer of Mollahat.

"The wheels of the other ambulance were stolen before I joined, making the vehicle immobile. The garage needs to be secured immediately," she added.

"Patients have to be regularly sent to Bagerhat District Hospital and Khulna Medical College Hospital. In such situations, we have to opt for private ambulance services which cost almost double," said Hafiz Sheikh, a local.

The government ambulance costs around Tk 1,500 to 1,800, while patients have to pay Tk 2,500-3,000 for private ambulance services, informed Abul Kalam, a patient.

According to locals, two night watchmen have been appointed by the complex. However, they do not perform their duties well as their salaries have been withheld for the last 11 months.