Load-shedding brings misery to Sherpur hospital patients

SHERPUR, BOGURA, Sept 5: Patients at the 50-bed Sherpur Upazila Health Complex are suffering in sweltering heat during power outages as the hospital’s generator remains unused due to a lack of fuel.

When electricity goes out, fans in the wards stop working, leaving patients and their attendants struggling in the heat. Children, elderly patients and those suffering from respiratory problems are particularly affected.

During a visit to the health complex on Sunday evening, this correspondent found 56 patients admitted to the 50-bed facility, exceeding its capacity.

After evening power cuts, fans in the wards stopped, causing discomfort for patients and their relatives.

Champa Begum, who was staying beside her husband Abdus Samad of Gopalpur Village, said his breathing difficulties worsened after the power went out and the fan remained off for a long time.

Lata Rani, a patient admitted to the women’s ward, also described similar suffering.

Hospital sources said an IPS system is available in the emergency department, while a generator has been arranged for the operation theatre. However, there is no alternative power source to run fans in the general wards during load shedding.

As a result, only energy-saving bulbs remain on in the wards during power outages, while patients have to endure the heat without fans.
Dr Amirul Islam, Health and Family Planning Officer at Sherpur Upazila Health Complex, said the hospital has a generator but no government allocation is available to purchase fuel for it.

“As there is no allocation for fuel, it is not possible to operate the generator for the general wards,” he said.
He said an allocation for fuel would enable the hospital to operate the generator during power outages and reduce patients’ suffering considerably.

The hospital authority said ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is particularly important during periods of extreme heat, as prolonged outages can worsen the condition of vulnerable patients.

With more patients being admitted than the facility’s designated capacity, the lack of backup power is adding to the difficulties faced by patients and their attendants, officials said.