Healthcare services at Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex in Chuadanga are being severely disrupted due to a shortage of doctors and medical staff. This crisis is causing great difficulty for patients, especially those from low and middle-income families.
A visit to the hospital showed long queues of patients waiting to be treated.
According to hospital authorities, while Jibannagar has a population of over 212,000, patients from neighbouring upazilas like Maheshpur, Damurhuda, and even Chuadanga Sadar also come here for treatment. However, there are currently only two MBBS doctors working at the hospital.
Out of four specialist consultant posts, one remains vacant, and two consultants are working on deputation in Dhaka. Out of the total 127 approved staff positions at the health complex, 38 are currently vacant.
Recently, there has been a sudden rise in viral fever cases in the area, leading to an increased number of patients.
Amena Khatun, a patient, said, “I’ve had fever and breathing problems for several days. I’ve been standing in line since morning but still haven’t seen a doctor.”
Another patient, Chumki Khatun, added, “I came yesterday but was told no doctor was available. I had to go back home. I came again today hoping to get treated.”
Dr Md Mokbul Hasan, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the viral fever outbreak has caused an unexpected rise in patient numbers. He added that community clinics in the villages have stopped distributing medicines, pushing more people to the upazila hospital. “We are treating around 600 patients daily.
With such a low number of doctors and staff, it’s difficult to provide proper service,” he said.
He also mentioned that a new medical officer has been ordered to join, but they have yet to report for duty. He hopes that once the 48th BCS doctors are appointed, the crisis will ease.
Local residents are urging the government to immediately address the shortage of doctors and staff to improve healthcare services in the area.
