Manpower crisis hits Pakundia Health Complex

The Pakundia Upazila Health Complex in the district is currently operating with 8 doctors against 31 authorized doctor posts. For a long time, all 10 posts of junior specialist doctors in the hospital have been vacant. As a result, medical services for patients are being disrupted. Caesarean section activities have also been suspended for five months.

According to the health complex sources, this 50-bed hospital is basically providing the facilities of 30 beds. Out of a total of 31 doctor posts, only seven doctors and one Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer are currently working. Twenty posts are vacant and three more doctors are on deputation. Surgery has been closed since December 24 last year due to the lack of a gynecologist. An average of more than 700 patients come to the hospital for medical services in the outpatient department every day, and 50 to 60 are admitted. Doctors are working day and night at the emergency department. As a result, they are suffering from mental and physical stress.

Patients and locals complain that although there is an operation theater, it has been unused for several months due to the lack of doctors. Despite having a pathology department, patients are sent to outside clinics for tests. Although the hospital has been upgraded to 50 beds, the quality of its services has not improved. Since the hospital could not provide medical services, most of the patients were transferred to the district hospital on the pretext of better treatment.

On the spot, it was found that the OT of the health complex is not functioning and is locked. Although there is a doctor at the emergency department, medical activities at other departments are limited.

Arif, a resident of Narandi Union, said, “My brother is admitted here. But due to the shortage of doctors, he is not getting treatment on time.”

Badal Mia, a resident of Charfaradi Union, said, “Last month, when my sister needed a cesarean section, I brought her to this hospital. But due to the lack of a gynecologist, she had to be taken to a private clinic in Kishoreganj for a cesarean section.”

Dr Nazibul Haque, the hospital’s RMO, said, “Although it is a 50-bed hospital, an average of 50 to 60 patients are admitted here every day. Again, duties are also performed in the outpatient department. There, on average, 600 to 700 patients come for services every day. The pressure has increased due to the shortage of doctors. Everyone is getting tired after working day and night.”

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Noor-e-Alam said, “The OT has been closed for about five months due to the lack of a gynecologist. Letters have been sent to the higher authorities several times regarding the shortage of doctors. No solution has been found in this connection so far.”

Civil Surgeon Dr Abhijit Sharma said that the matter will be discussed with the higher authorities and a solution will be found as soon as possible.