Kulaura is the largest upazila in Moulvibazar district. The only healthcare facility for the five lakh residents of this upazila is the Upazila Health Complex. However, due to a longstanding shortage of doctors, the healthcare services are being managed with makeshift arrangements. Patients have to wait in long lines for extended periods, and many become frustrated and leave without receiving treatment.
The hospital’s only pediatric specialist, Dr. Abu Bakr Naser Rasu, is officially posted there but visits only once or twice a week to mark attendance and then leaves. In his absence, children are deprived of proper medical care. However, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain provides treatment to child patients in his office. The few medical officers who perform night duties also have to serve patients in the outpatient department the following day. Due to the insufficient number of medical officers, basic treatment is being provided by sub-assistant community medical officers (SACMOs), brothers, and pharmacists. Patients are deprived of specialized care as many specialists posted at the hospital are working elsewhere on deputation. Medical officers often refer patients to district or divisional hospitals for advanced treatment, causing financial strain on patients and their families.
According to sources at the Upazila Health Complex, only 2 out of 21 sanctioned posts for doctors are currently filled, leaving 19 positions vacant. Out of 10 specialist posts, 7 specialists are working elsewhere on deputation. The hospital has the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain, Resident Medical Officer Dr. Sharmin Farhana Zerin, and Medical Officer Dr. Mohona Akter currently in service. Among six consultants, only three are working in Kulaura.
Among the consultants on deputation, Junior Consultant (Surgery) Dr. Md. Sadekul Alam and Junior Consultant (Orthopedic Surgery) Dr. Mohammad Masudur Rahman have been working at Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital for nearly eight months for personal reasons. Dermatologist and Venereologist Dr. Iqbal Bahar attends duties in Kulaura only on Sundays and Thursdays and spends the rest of the week at Sylhet Shamsuddin Hospital. Pediatric Specialist Dr. Abu Bakr Naser Rasu, though officially posted at the hospital, merely marks attendance before leaving.
Additionally, in the absence of a gynecologist, Junior Consultant (Anesthesia) Dr. Aminul Islam has been working at Sylhet Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital for two years. Junior Consultant (Cardiology) Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ahad treats two to three patients a week at the hospital.
Other vacant posts include Junior Consultant (Medicine), gynecologist, ophthalmologist, Resident Medical Officer, two medical officers, and Ayurvedic Medical Officer. The affected residents and conscious citizens of Kulaura have demanded immediate cancellation of deputation orders for the specialists and the appointment of new doctors to address the acute shortage.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain stated, “Despite the shortage of doctors, we are providing sincere healthcare services to admitted and visiting patients. If sufficient doctors are appointed, we will be able to provide better services.”
Moulvibazar District Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Mamunur Rahman said, “The issue of doctor shortages in Kulaura and the other seven upazila hospitals has been brought to the attention of higher authorities. The matter of doctors on deputation has also been reported to the divisional health director, who is taking necessary measures.”
