4 doctors run 500-bed Pabna mental Hospital (video)
While the country observes the World Mental Health Day on October, 10, the Pabna Mental Pabna Mental Hospital (PMH), the country's lone specialised hospital for treatment of mental diseases, struggles to treat its patients.
With only 4 doctors beside two top hospital executives working in the 500-bed specialized hospital, it needs 30 more doctors, sources say. There are 366 working staff against 492 posts, hospital sources said.
At present four hundred admitted patients are under treatment at the hospital. Besides, 100 to 120 patients take treatment from the 'outdoor' department daily. Crises of doctors and staffs often hamper treatment in the lone specialized hospital for mental patient sources said.
There is no consultants, residential medical officers, clinical psychiatrists, dental surgeon, anesthesist, residential psychiatrist in PMH for a long time.
“Could you imagine just four doctors are available for 500-bed hospital although it is a specialized hospital. We often hired doctors from Pabna medical college for specialized treatment but that dosen’t solve the problem.” Dr Tonmoy Prokash, director of Pabna mental hospital told the Daily Star.
Most of the doctors refused to work with mental patients, Dr Prokash said.
“The ministry appoints doctors for PMH but most of the doctors refuse to join here. Working with mental patients is difficult. Most of the appointed doctors got transfers immediately.” the director said.
Surprisingly though, many former patients have to be kept at the hospital as their family members cut off contact, said Rajia Sultana, staff nurse of the hospital. About 21 former patients are staying here in PMH since 20 to 25 years something the hospital is not equipped to do.
“Family members often neglect them. They are given nursing and friendly atmosphere in the hospital so the patients stay on.” Rajia said.
“This is a hospital, not asylum. But they are staying here for long. Government should set up a shelter so they can stay there.” Dr Tonmoy Prokash, said.