MEHERPUR, June 1: The Gangni Upazila Health Complex (GUHC) in Meherpur has been overcrowded with patients in recent times. Doctors and nurses are struggling to handle the patients, especially the elderly and children.
Patients have claimed that they are not getting medicine at the health complex. However, the authorities say that there is some shortage of cholera saline. The demand has been sent to the department concerned.
Sources at the 50-bed health complex said that various types of diseases have emerged in the hostile weather. Many are buying and drinking juices sold on the side of the road to quench their thirst. Due to this, they are getting sicker. Most of the patients are suffering from fever, cold, cough, respiratory problems and diarrhoea. Children and the elderly are especially affected.
The health complex is overcrowded with patients and their relatives. There is no place to keep one's feet. Patients are crowded on the floor and stairs too. Doctors and nurses are struggling to provide medical services. The atmosphere of the health complex has become painful due to the crying of children. Many are returning home after consulting outdoors. More than 500 patients are receiving outdoor treatment every day; among them, those whose condition is a little critical are being kept in the health complex. They are struggling to cope with the pressure of the patients.
Meanwhile, the admitted patients said that they are not getting medicine. They have to buy medicine from outside. They are only getting the services. Sirajul Islam of Harabhanga Village in Gangni said that his relative has been admitted for three days. Although the patient suffering from diarrhoea is given saline properly, cholera saline has to be bought from outside. The wards are reporting a saline shortage. Abdur Rashid Mannan of Raipur Village and Rashida of Sohogalpur said the same thing.
Some nurses said that sometimes 100 patients are admitted into the 50-bed health complex. It is very difficult to provide services to them. Moreover, there are patients suffering from pneumonia and diarrhoea. There are only two nurses in each ward. With the number of patients in the women's and children's wards, at least five nurses are needed in each ward.
Dr Masudur Rahman, Resident Medical Officer of GUHC, said that the doctor's post has not been filled yet in the health complex. There is no emergency medical officer. They have to work slovenly. Despite that, patients are being served. The patient pressure has increased recently.
Most of these patients are suffering from diarrhoea and pneumonia. The authorities provide medicines according to the needs of the health complex. But when more patients are admitted, they are given from that medicine. As a result, there is a shortage of medicines. There is no shortage of food and saline for patients. However, there is some shortage of cholera saline. The demand has been sent. The shortage will be over once the supply is available.
