Khulna Bureau
The transfer of six nurses from Terkhada Upazila Health Complex in Khulna has raised concerns over patient care at the 50-bed hospital , which is already struggling with staff shortages. With 88 of its 188 sanctioned posts vacant, the facility is currently treating around 80 admitted patients and serving 300 to 400 outpatients daily. The absence of replacement nurses could further strain healthcare services.
Hospital sources said only 100 staff members were employed against 188 sanctioned posts across Class I, III and IV categories, leaving 88 vacant. Amid the long-standing staffing crisis, transfer orders for six nurses were issued on October 7. The order, signed by Badrul Alam, Deputy Secretary and Director (Administration) of the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery, instructed them to report to their new workplaces. The transfers were reportedly made following online applications submitted by the nurses.
According to the order, Tapati Biswas has been transferred to Dumuria Upazila Health Complex, while Takia Sultana, Rehana Akter, Nurjahan Islam Asha, Sadia Afrin and Halima Khatun have been posted to Khulna Specialized Hospital. No replacement nurses have yet been posted to Terkhada Upazila Health Complex.
Hospital sources said around 80 patients were currently admitted against the hospital's capacity of 50 beds, with 20 to 30 new patients admitted daily. The outpatient department also provides treatment to an average of 300 to 400 people a day. Hospital authorities are struggling to manage the patient load amid shortages of doctors and other staff.
Last Thursday, Sheikh Mostafizur and Masud Sheikh, residents of the Ikhri area who visited the outpatient department, said they were not receiving adequate medical care because of staff shortages. They expressed hope that the deployment of required personnel would improve services.
Rafiq Molla, a local resident admitted to the hospital, said he had been hospitalised for treatment but was being forced to seek medical care elsewhere because he was not receiving the services he needed.
The transfer of the six nurses is expected to put further pressure on patient care. Nurses play a vital role in looking after admitted patients, administering medication on schedule, monitoring their physical conditions and providing emergency services. Maintaining these services could become increasingly difficult without adequate staffing.
Dr Mujahidul Islam, Health and Family Planning Officer at Terkhada Upazila Health Complex, said 26 nurses were currently on duty against 30 sanctioned posts. Four of them were on leave for various reasons, including study leave.
He said the simultaneous transfer of six nurses would make it difficult to maintain healthcare services. The hospital was currently providing round-the-clock services with limited staff, and the departure of so many nurses at once would pose a major challenge to continuity of care.
Chowdhury Fakhrul Islam Bulu, former convener of Terkhada Upazila BNP, said the health complex had long been suffering from a shortage of doctors. He warned that the transfer of six nurses could further complicate healthcare operations.
He said he would inform Azizul Bari Helal, Member of Parliament for the Khulna-4 constituency, about the situation and seek a solution. As the MP is currently abroad, he would be briefed by telephone.
Dr Md Shawkat Ali, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Khulna, acknowledged the staffing shortage at Terkhada Upazila Health Complex. He said managing the hospital's overall operations with limited personnel was difficult, but healthcare services were being maintained and necessary steps would be taken to address the shortage.
Following the transfer of the six nurses amid the long-standing staffing crisis, stakeholders have called for the immediate deployment of replacement personnel. They believe adequate staffing would help the hospital cope with its heavy patient load and maintain normal healthcare services.of replacement personnel. #EK
