SANTHIA, PABNA, Dec 18: Health services at Santhia Upazila Health Complex in Pabna are being severely disrupted due to an acute shortage of doctors.
The 50-bed hospital is supposed to have 22 physicians, including medical officers, specialists, and dental surgeons. But currently, only four doctors-including a medical officer, a dental surgeon, a homeopathic physician, and a health and family planning officer-are on duty.
As a result, patients are not receiving expected care, while the few doctors present are struggling under immense workload.
Hospital sources said the facility was established in 1974 with 31 beds and upgraded to 50 beds in 2004 to meet rising patient demand. It was supposed to have 11 specialist doctors, but none are posted. The post of residential medical officer (RMO) remains vacant. Of seven medical officer positions, only one is filled. There is one dental surgeon and one homeopathic doctor, but no Unani physician.
The absence of a gynecology specialist means caesarean deliveries cannot be performed, forcing patients to seek services elsewhere. There is no anesthesiologist. Of 35 nursing posts, 32 are filled. But there are no fourth-class employees, no security staff, no night guards, and only two cleaners against five sanctioned posts. The hospital has three wards but no ward boys or ayas.
Despite this, the hospital sees 500-600 patients daily in the outpatient department, while 90-110 patients are admitted indoors. Due to bed shortages, many patients are forced to stay on the floor or in verandas.
Patients expressed frustration. Marjina Khatun, 40, from Boailmari Village said she had been waiting two hours with a blood bag in hand but could not receive transfusion. Fulpari Khatun, 45, from Chaknandanpur stood in line for an hour with her sick child but still could not see a doctor. Others, including Rabeya Khatun, 55 and Tahmina Khatun, 60, said only one doctor was attending hundreds of patients, causing immense suffering.
Nurses Sonia Parvin and Salma Khatun said they feel unsafe working without security staff and often have to perform duties of ward boys and ayas. Sub-assistant Community Medical Officer Abdullah Al Hadi said they too must see patients due to the shortage.
Acting RMO Dr Aminul Haque Palash said he has to manage both indoor patients and emergency duties, making service delivery extremely difficult.
Upazila Health And Family Planning Officer Dr Abdul Baten admitted services are hampered. "We are overwhelmed in emergency, outpatient, and indoor departments. The hospital should be upgraded to 100 beds. Doctors are forced to take on extra duties, but we are trying our best," he said.
