LALMOHAN, BHOLA, Nov 26: Patients visiting the Pathology Department of Lalmohon Upazila Health Complex in the district are facing severe difficulties due to the absence of a crucial cell counter.
Even in this modern era, the department continues to rely on analogue methods to conduct blood tests, where red and white blood cells are manually counted under a microscope. This labour-intensive process is extremely time-consuming, allowing only seven to eight patients per day to access affordable diagnostic services at the complex. Many others are forced to seek tests at private diagnostic centres, paying significantly higher fees.
Officials at the pathology department said that at least 20 different services are currently provided, generating approximately Tk 30,000 in monthly revenue. However, the analog system makes conducting complete blood count (CBC) tests particularly challenging. Staff shortages further aggravate the problem-out of three technologist positions, only one is currently filled, while the lab attendant post remains vacant.
On-site observation over recent days revealed that after consulting doctors in the outpatient department, patients are referred to the pathology section for various tests. The high demand, combined with only one staff member handling sample collection and testing, results in long delays.
Typically, blood samples from seven to eight patients are collected, processed, and reports prepared by around 1:00 pm. Those arriving later must often turn to private centers, incurring multiple times the cost. Even patients who receive reports by early afternoon sometimes face another hurdle: attending physicians often leave after 1:00 pm, forcing patients to return the next day to have their results reviewed.
Several patients, including Asma Begum and Saiful Islam, recounted the difficulties. "I visited the hospital for a medical check-up as per the doctor's instructions. I submitted my blood sample around 11:30 am and received the report by 1:00 pm. But the doctor had already left, so I had to return the next day to show the report. It caused extreme hardship," Asma explained.
Similarly, Abdur Rahim described taking his wife to the health complex for tests recommended by an outpatient physician. By the time they reached the pathology lab, it was past noon, making it impossible to complete tests and consult the doctor on the same day. They were compelled to use a private diagnostic centre at a higher cost.
Mohammad Riazul Islam, In-Charge of Pathology Department, emphasised the urgent need for a cell counter. "Without it, we cannot provide proper service despite our willingness. I manage the entire department alone, limiting our daily capacity to seven to eight patients. A single cell counter would allow us to serve 25-30 patients and increase revenue. We urgently request the higher authorities to provide this essential equipment," he said.
Dr. Tayyebur Rahman, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, acknowledged the problem: "The pathology department urgently needs a cell counter. We have applied to higher authorities several times and will continue to do so. We hope the relevant authorities will take immediate steps to ensure that the underprivileged patients of this upazila receive proper diagnostic services."
