Staff, equipment shortage cripple Shibganj health complex
Patients at the 50-bed Shibganj Upazila Health Complex in Chapainawabganj are facing mounting hardship due to shortages of doctors, medical equipment, medicines and ambulances, while the alleged activities of brokers and pharmaceutical company representatives are forcing many to seek expensive treatment and diagnostic services at private clinics.
The health complex, which serves nearly 800,000 people, is struggling with an acute manpower crisis. Of its 281 approved posts, 88 remain vacant, including positions for specialist doctors, nurses and support staff.
The hospital also lacks several essential diagnostic facilities, including an ultrasound machine, cell counter, suction machine, dental unit, autoclave machine and adequate refrigeration facilities. It currently has only one ambulance.
Patients alleged that the absence of diagnostic equipment has created opportunities for brokers to divert them to private clinics.
Zahid Hasan of Atarshia said an emergency physician advised him to undergo an ultrasonography test, but as the hospital had no ultrasound machine, he was taken by a woman to a private clinic where he paid Tk 1,000 for the examination.
Similar complaints were made by Khaleda Begum of Ramchandrapur, Sayema Begum of Sahapara and many other patients, who said they visited the government hospital expecting affordable treatment but instead had to spend large sums on tests at private diagnostic centres.
Mousumi of Monakasha alleged that she was prescribed only a few tablets of paracetamol, Histacin and tetracycline despite suffering from fever and cold symptoms. Another patient, Rokeya, said she returned home without treatment after failing to find a gynaecologist at the hospital.
During a visit to the hospital, this correspondent observed the presence of several men and women allegedly working as brokers who were persuading patients to seek treatment at nearby private clinics.
Requesting anonymity, one woman admitted that she receives commissions for referring patients to private clinics.”I earn a small commission by taking patients for treatment and diagnostic tests. There are many others involved in the same work,” she said.
Speaking to The New Nation Shibganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Nazir Uddin acknowledged the manpower shortage and said regular reports are being sent to the higher authorities seeking appointments.
He said some vacant posts had already been filled and expressed hope that the remaining vacancies would be filled soon.
Regarding allegations of brokers and pharmaceutical company representatives operating inside the hospital, he said CCTV footage confirmed the presence of unauthorized persons on the premises.
Ansar personnel were immediately deployed to remove them, and stricter monitoring has been introduced. “We are trying our best to stop these irregularities.
Legal action will be taken if necessary,” he said. Patients also complained that the hospital pharmacy provides only limited quantities of a few basic medicines, including paracetamol, Histacin, tetracycline, metronidazole and oral saline, regardless of the patient’s condition.
Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Nazir Uddin said that among the 51 sanctioned medical officer posts, only 28 are currently filled, leaving vacancies in key specialties such as ENT, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, dentistry and several union sub-health centres. In addition, 36 second-class, 45 third-class and 13 fourth-class positions remain vacant.
Dr. Nazir Uddin added that the hospital has already requested one ultrasound machine, one cell counter, three ECG machines, four air-conditioning units and two refrigerators from the relevant authorities.
Chapainawabganj Civil Surgeon Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin said efforts are underway to address the hospital’s problems.”A committee has already been formed to investigate the reported irregularities. Necessary action will be taken after the investigation report is submitted,” he said.
