GOPALGANJ, Mar 7: The 100-bed Tungipara Upazila Health Complex, serving over 1.14 lakh people, has become the only medical lifeline for residents of Tungipara and surrounding upazilas.
Despite its upgrade from 50 to 100 beds, the hospital has seen no increase in the number of doctors, and specialist consultants are reportedly absent or irregular. As a result, patients are being deprived of proper medical care.
Patients allege that although the hospital has five specialist doctors (junior consultants), they do not attend patients regularly and only show up at their convenience. There are also complaints of mistreatment and refusal to see patients without certain diagnostic test reports.
On Tuesday, observations revealed that at 11:10 am, orthopaedic consultant Dr. Kazi Karim Newaz entered Room 207 on the second floor. At 11:20am, paediatric consultant Dr. Amama Akter's Room 206 was locked; she arrived only at 11:50 am after a phone call.
Gynaecology consultant Dr. Shipra Nandi visits the hospital only twice a week, effectively working just eight days a month while receiving full pay. Ophthalmologist Dr. Abir Mallik and anaesthesia consultant Dr. Md. Shahjahan are mostly stationed elsewhere, leaving patients without access to their services.
According to hospital sources, out of 21 sanctioned posts at the 100-bed hospital-including 10 consultants and 11 junior consultants-only five junior consultants are currently serving.
Residents express frustration at the shortage and irregularity. Rana Sheikh of Patgati Village said he could not meet the orthopaedic doctor after a motorcycle accident, forcing him to travel to Gopalganj for treatment, wasting both time and money.
Patients from neighbouring upazilas, including Arafat Hossain of Chitalmari in Bagerhat and Abu Amer of Nachiar in Pirojpur, echoed similar concerns. They said the specialists are irregular, often abusive, and refuse to see patients without specific diagnostic reports, depriving them of proper care.
Speaking on the issue, orthopaedic consultant Dr. Kazi Karim Newaz said, he had joined only a month ago and was slightly delayed due to administrative responsibilities. Paediatric consultant Dr. Amama Akter cited minor illness for her delay. Attempts to contact Shipra Nandi, Abir Mallik, and Md. Shahjahan were unsuccessful.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Tanvir Ahmed defended the irregular consultants, saying some live far from the hospital or are on leave, and the anaesthesia consultant follows instructions from a previous civil surgeon to remain at Mukshudpur. He assured that irregularities will be addressed, and strict measures will follow if consultants fail to comply.
