JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, June 27: Healthcare services at Jaldhaka Upazila Health Complex in Nilphamari are being severely hampered as only nine doctors are currently providing treatment for nearly five lakh people, while key diagnostic equipment remains out of order, officials and patients said.
Although the 50-bed hospital was upgraded from a 31-bed facility in 2012, patients continue to suffer due to a shortage of manpower, lack of specialist doctors and non-functional medical equipment.
A visit to the hospital on Tuesday revealed that patients are facing continuous difficulties due to staff shortages and broken diagnostic machines. The hospital, originally established in 1381 Bangla (1974�"75), is now struggling to provide adequate services despite its upgraded infrastructure.
According to hospital sources, the institution has 249 sanctioned posts, of which 159 are currently filled while 90 remain vacant. Out of 33 sanctioned posts for first-class doctors, only nine are working, leaving 24 posts vacant.
The shortage has put immense pressure on the available doctors, who are struggling to serve hundreds of patients visiting the outpatient department daily from 11 unions and one municipality.
Other staff shortages include 45 vacant third-class posts and 15 fourth-class posts. All 25 nursing positions are filled, while one of the 43 community health care provider (CHCP) posts remains vacant. Eight outsourced positions are also unfilled.
Specialist shortages, particularly in gynecology and surgery, have led to the suspension of cesarean section services, further worsening patient suffering.
Several essential diagnostic machines, including ultrasound and X-ray equipment, remain out of order. Dental and eye care instruments are available but cannot be used due to lack of supplies and maintenance support.
The hospital’s ambulances are also non-functional�"one due to engine failure and another due to tyre issues and registration complications�"leaving patients without emergency transport services.
Patients said they are often forced to seek expensive treatment at private clinics or referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital due to lack of services at the upazila level.
“We are suffering due to lack of tests. Most patients are forced to go outside for diagnostics,” said several patients and attendants.
Jaldhaka Upazila Health Complex Residential Medical Officer Dr Mahadi Hasan said patients are facing severe difficulties due to manpower shortages.
“We are only nine doctors trying to serve a huge population. We are struggling to provide proper healthcare,” he said, adding that recruitment of more doctors would ease the crisis.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Nanda Sen Gupta said services continue round the clock despite staff shortages, and efforts are being made to manage with limited manpower.
She also acknowledged that diagnostic services are affected due to non-functional machines.
Civil Surgeon officials said proposals for filling vacant posts have been sent to higher authorities, adding that urgent steps are expected to resolve the crisis soon.
