Medical services at the 100-bed Mohanganj Upazila Health Complex isbeing hampered due to a shortage of doctor and medical stuff.
It was learnt that, the existing 50-bed hospital was upgraded to a 100-bed facility in 2023. Accordingly, a demand for 115 new positions was sent to the ministry. However, no progress has been made in this regard.
As a result, this health complex, the only source of medical care for the 7 to 8 lakh people of the remote haor region, is grappling with a severe manpower crisis.
Sources from the hospital said that whereas there is position for 21 sanctioned registered doctors, only six are currently working in the hospital, with one stationed at the neighboring Khaliajuri upazila. Of the required 36 staff nurses, only 20 are available. Similarly, there are six medical assistants instead of eight, 20 field staff instead of 38, and 18 support staff instead of 27. Other categories, including 18 miscellaneous positions, have only eight staff members. The position of dental surgeon remains vacant, along with many others such as sweepers and office assistants. This acute manpower shortage is severely affecting medical services.
Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer Dr Kalyani Rani Ghosh said, we are trying our best. But we are unable to provide adequate services due to the lack of manpower.
Patients and their relatives expressed frustration over the insufficient number of doctors at the hospital. Local residents also complained about the difficulties faced by patients traveling from distant areas. They strongly urged the government to take appropriate measures to address the issues of the hospital.
