Patients suffer for shortage of doctors at Amtali health complex

AMTALI, BARGUNA, Sept 19: A severe shortage of doctors and other staff is hampering healthcare services at Amtali Upazila Health Complex, leaving a population of around three lakh people struggling to receive treatment locally.

The 50-bed facility has 43 sanctioned posts for doctors, including the upazila health and family planning officer. But only 17 doctors are currently working there, leaving 26 posts vacant for a long time.

The shortage extends to other categories of staff as well. Of the 92 sanctioned third-class posts, including statistician, cashier and storekeeper, 40 are vacant. Meanwhile, 17 of the 33 fourth-class posts, including ward boys, ayas, gardeners, cooks, security guards and cleaners, have remained vacant for nearly five years.

As a result, the hospital's overall activities are being disrupted, while many patients are reportedly forced to return without receiving their required treatment.

The upazila health and family planning officer has to remain busy with administrative duties, further limiting the availability of doctors for patients, locals said.

Many patients who fail to receive treatment at the facility have to travel around 35 kilometres to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital or 75 kilometres to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

Although Barguna General Hospital is only around 15 kilometres away, many patients are reluctant to go there because they have to cross a river to reach it.

Rabeya, a woman in her 60s from Haldia Village, recently went to the health complex after developing persistent itching.

“But after reaching there, I was told that there was no doctor available. We are poor people. I cannot afford to spend money to seek treatment elsewhere,” she said.

Dr Himel Pal, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer currently serving in additional charge, said the authorities had repeatedly been informed in writing about the shortage of doctors.

“If doctors are posted here, the crisis will be resolved,” he said.

Dr Abul Fattah, Civil Surgeon of Barguna, said the shortage at Amtali Upazila Health Complex had been brought to the attention of the director general of the Directorate General of Health Services.

“We have requested doctors on an urgent basis,” he said.