Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), one of Bangladesh's largest public healthcare facilities, is facing a severe crisis as mismanagement and overcrowding jeopardise patient care.
With patient numbers nearly double the intended capacity, the hospital is struggling to provide adequate services, exposing critical issues that burden patients and their families.
Upon entry, visitors are met with unsanitary conditions, insufficient food provisions, and inadequate staffing.
Many patients are seen lying on the floors of overcrowded corridors and wards, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Brigadier Gen Asaduzzaman Khan, the hospital's director, has acknowledged the growing complaints and pledged to address these ongoing issues.
Alal Uddin, who suffered a head injury in an accident in Mymensingh, had been waiting in the corridor since 4 October, unable to secure a bed.
His brother, Jalal Uddin, voiced frustration, saying, "Nurses are unavailable when needed, and doctors are also hard to reach."
Another patient, 24-year-old Jahid Hasan, admitted on October 2, had faced similar challenges. His father, a CNG driver from Khilgaon, revealed, "A prescribed injection has not been administered as it's reportedly out of stock, despite being listed in the hospital pharmacy."
Many families are forced to purchase medicines externally due to shortages at the hospital.
Hospital staff struggle to maintain hygiene standards amidst overcrowding.
The director cited users' behaviour as a factor, explaining, "Toilets are often misused, with discarded items blocking the facilities. With each toilet shared by around ten people, maintaining proper sanitation becomes difficult."
A visit to the hospital kitchen revealed further issues, including waste accumulation near cooking areas and rice left uncovered, raising health concerns for patients.
A shortage of class four staff exacerbates the situation, according to the director. "Without increasing personnel, mismanagement will continue."
Besides, the daily food budget of Tk 150 per patient is inadequate, he added, advocating for an increase to Tk 200 for improved meal quality.
Some patients and families report being asked to pay tips of Tk 50-100 to hospital aides for basic services such as wheelchair assistance.
A ward aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, "If patients offer us something, it helps us manage our own expenses."
The director acknowledged the issue, noting, "We have dismissed individuals involved in such practices, though eradicating it entirely remains a challenge."
Experts call for reforms to improve Bangladesh's healthcare, including stricter regulations for private clinics, decentralised recruitment for healthcare professionals, and a more equitable doctor-patient ratio. Other challenges include unregulated pharmacies, reactive health-seeking behaviour, and high out-of-pocket costs for patients. —UNB
