The health complex in Kamalganj, Moulvibazar, is operating in a filthy and unhygienic environment. Despite having a capacity of 50 beds, the hospital has only two doctors, and there are no X-ray or ECG technicians. These two doctors are handling 200 to 250 patients daily. However, nurses claim that three cleaners alternate to maintain cleanliness, but the areas get dirty due to patients.
On-site observations reveal that the 50-bed health complex serves 200 to 250 patients daily with just two doctors. These two doctors are responsible for treating admitted patients, the emergency department, the wards, and the outpatient department. The Resident Medical Officer (RMO) has been accused of mental instability and is known among patients as the “mad doctor.” He has been serving there for over 14 years since joining in 2009.
A private doctor, preferring to remain anonymous, stated, “The so-called guardian of this hospital is the mad doctor. Naturally, the situation here is like an asylum.” Complaints from patients about the health complex are heard daily.
Admitted patients, including Asrana Madrazi, Kasim Mia, and Sayarun Begum, said, “After the doctor prescribes medication, all medicines and injections must be bought from outside. Nothing is provided for free.” They added, “We are forced to live in an extremely dirty and unhygienic environment. The condition of the bathrooms and toilets is deplorable, emitting a foul smell. It’s impossible to use them. Cleaners come just to mark attendance and perform minimal visible tasks before leaving. Despite repeated requests, they do not properly clean the wards, and there is no one to supervise their work.”
The 50-bed hospital is supposed to have one Resident Medical Officer (RMO), four junior consultants, two medical officers, and one dental surgeon. While there are two junior consultants, the other two are based in Dhaka. There are no medical officers or dental surgeons. Consequently, two doctors are providing services to hundreds of patients.
Although the hospital has machines, a lack of technicians has rendered X-rays, ECGs, and other tests unavailable. Patients requiring these tests must go outside and bear additional costs. The absence of an anesthesia consultant has kept the operation theater (OT) nonfunctional. Due to prolonged disuse, the OT equipment is deteriorating. Various pieces of equipment are boxed and unused, on the verge of breaking down. If adequate doctors, gynecologists, and surgical consultants were available, the OT could have been operational, allowing minor surgeries to be performed within the hospital.
This health complex is the sole healthcare facility for approximately 300,000 people in the tea garden areas of the upazila. However, due to inadequate services, patients are enduring financial costs, time loss, and immense suffering. It is known that the upazila health complex was upgraded to a 50-bed hospital. Despite the upgrade in 2018, which cost 83.2 million taka, insufficient manpower has left victims deprived of essential services. Recruitment of required personnel for the upgraded hospital has not been completed.
The hospital’s RMO, Dr. Sajedul Kabir, stated, “Due to a shortage of doctors, we are working long shifts. Everything will be fine once we have adequate staff.”
The Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Dr. Mohammad Mahbubul Alam Bhuiyan, said, “Even though the hospital was upgraded to 50 beds, we have not yet received the necessary manpower. Consequently, I am also compelled to see patients. The issue of manpower, including cleaners, has been communicated to the higher authorities.”
