The health services for nearly 3,00,000 residents are being managed by a mere four doctors at Amtali upazila of Barguna district.
At the 50-bed Upazila Health Complex, 27 posts out of a total of 31 posts are currently vacant, severely disrupting essential medical care for the general public.
In addition to the main health complex in the Upazila headquarters, there are several other healthcare centres across the unions: a 10-bed hospital in Azimpur Bazar of Kukua union, one sub-health centre each in Gazipur Bazar of Atharagachhia union and Gulishakhali Bazar of Gulishakhali union and one union health centre in Sener Hat of Haldia union.
However, due to the acute doctor shortage, medical services at these centres have been practically suspended.
Hospital sources indicate that the facility is struggling to cope with the high patient volume. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Chinmoy Howlader is simultaneously performing administrative duties and serving as a regular duty doctor.
The crisis extends beyond doctors, with a severe shortage of personnel in other roles as well. Out of a total of 88 third-class positions—including Chief Assistant, Cashier, Office Assistant, Statistician, various Medical Technologists, Sub-Assistant Medical Officers, Cardiographer, Store Keeper, Health Inspector and Driver—52 are vacant.
Additionally, 16 out of 34 fourth-class posts are also empty. This shortage is significantly hampering the hospital's administrative work and cleanliness.
Several patients currently receiving treatment at the hospital reported a lack of regular health services due to the doctor shortage. Furthermore, they complained that the nurses are not treating patients well and provide care arbitrarily.
Recently, a college student, Nizam Uddin, admitted to the hospital, accused a nurse named Sabrina of inappropriate behaviour and failing to provide proper treatment. The college student reported the matter to the Upazila Health Administrator, who assured action would be taken but no steps were actually implemented.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Chinmoy Howlader said that they are facing immense difficulty managing various departments, including the emergency unit, due to the doctor shortage.
He has urgently requested the authorities to deploy doctors to resolve the crisis. Regarding the complaints of discourteous behaviour towards patients, he said the matter is being investigated.
Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr. Md Abul Fattah confirmed that they have informed the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services about the situation and have urgently requested doctors.
ASK/NSA
