Only two doctors are providing medical service in Sarankhola Upazila Health Complex as the 18 positions for Medical Officer of the hospital remained vacant for almost a year and a half now.
Currently the are only three doctors in the Upazila Health Complex, including the Thana Health Officer (THO), Resident Medical Officer (RMO) and one Medical Officer (MO), with the remaining 18 Medical Officer positions being empty. However, the THO stays busy with the administrative work of the hospital, leaving only two doctors to provide treatment.
In addition, the shortage of junior mechanics, radiographers, sweepers, attendants, and ward boys is creating various problems. The shortage of doctors is disrupting the hospital's medical services. Although the higher authorities were informed about this issue, no action is being taken to resolve it.
Sources from Sarankhola Upazila Health Complex said four doctors were providing treatment in the 50-bedded hospital, whereas 22 doctors were supposed to be on service. However, two of the four doctors were transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital and Khulna COVID Hospital. Although the transfer of one doctor was cancelled, he has not yet rejoined the service. On average, 200 to 300 patients visit the outpatient department of Sharankhola Hospital every day. Moreover, the hospital is often forced to accommodates 80 to 90 patients, despite having a 50-bed capacity.
Moreover, a large number patient also come to take treatment in the emergency department every day. With only two doctors available, they are struggling to provide care to so many patients. Many patients are being forced to admit themselves to private clinics. When this correspondent visited the hospital on Saturday morning, it was seen that several patients, who waited in line for a long time, were leaving without being able to see a doctor. Resident Medical Officer of Sarankhola Upazila Health Complex Dr Ashfaq Hossain said the Health and Family Planning Officer of the hospital remains busy with administrative work. He also has to attend meetings with various departments. The only two doctor left, including me, are struggling to provide treatment to the patients who get admitted in the indoor department, as well as to those who come to take treatment in the outdoor department of the hospital.
Due to the rush of the patients, the cannot even make to time eat or sleep properly, said Doctor Ashfaq.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of (UH&FPO) Sarankhola, Dr Prio Gopal Biswas, said the desired medical services cannot be provided to the patients due to the shortage of doctors. The crisis worsened after two out of four doctors were assigned to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Additionally, there are 18 vacant positions for various types of medical officers. The hospital urgently needs to recruit at least three to four doctors. The health officer reported that the higher authorities have been informed about the doctor shortage.
When this correspondent asked the Director of Khulna Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Md Monjurul Murshid, regarding the shortage of manpower that is disrupting the medical service in the hospital, he said that I am aware of the shortage of doctors in Sarankhola Upazila Health Complex. The hospital definitely needs more doctors. However, the doctors are given appointment from the Directorate General of Health Services, not from the divisional offices.
