Tk 3 medical service from Kaunia Hospital creates stir

Monirul Islam Mintu, Kaunia (Rangpur)

Medical service at Tk 3 from Kaunia Upazila Health Complex has created a stir in Kaunia Upazila of the district.
Under this service, poor patients can see a doctor at Tk 3 and receive some medicines free of cost. They don’t have to see a doctor spending Tk 700/800. But still, they have to buy most of the medicines from outside.
According to the health complex sources, the health department is working to reach healthcare at people’s doorsteps. As part of these activities, the government has upgraded the 30-bed Kaunia Health Complex to 50 beds. To treat about 4 lakh people of the upazila, there are only 12 doctors against 27. These 12 doctors give treatment to about 300 to 350 patients daily. Out of the 12 doctors, one Liakat Ali was transferred to Rangpur Jail Hospital but he gives service to Kaunia Health Complex. Besides, the transferred order of another doctor was issued on Sunday morning. On the other hand, out of 32 nurses and midwives, there are 30.
While visiting the health complex on Sunday morning, long queues of patients including men and women, children, and the elderly were noticed. Due to the lack of gynecology doctors, female patients coming from far and wide were found to go back. A patient Abir Ali, 35, coming from Biswanath of Tepamadhupur Union said, “I will see a doctor at Tk 3 ticket but it is not a problem as I will see a good doctor.”
Another patient Alefzan, 45, of Rajib Village said, “I heard that female doctors see patients here, so I have come.”
Abu Hena, 50, coming from Nijpara Village said, “Many patients come to the government hospital now. But there is a delay as there are fewer doctors. More doctors are necessary to ensure proper healthcare here.”
A cleaner at the hospital said, “The patients’ pressure is more now than in the past. Every day except holidays such pressure is noticed.”
While this correspondent tried to talk to the Kaunia Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Satikatul Tahirin on doctor and other crises, she could not be found due to her leave and a week-long training in the concerned ministry.
When talked, Kaunia Health Complex Resident Medical Officer Dr. Abu Tarik Md. Ahsan said, “Although 15 posts of doctors are lying vacant against 27 posts, the Directorate General of Health Services attached 10 doctors here who are seeing patients regularly. We are working on how to provide more healthcare easily and without hassle.”
Acting Upazila Medical Officer Dr. Jahurul Islam said, “I joined here today and I can’t say everything. However, a five-day training started on Sunday and six doctors of the health complex are participating in it. Others are seeing patients.”