Kukuya Health Centre not yet fully operational

AMTALI, BARGUNA, Oct 19: Indoor medical services have been closed for a long time at the 10-bed Kukuya Union Health Centre in Amtali Upazila of Barguna. 

Due to a lack of necessary staff, the hospital's full operations cannot be launched. At present, medical services are being provided by a single Upazila Health Assistant. Although 40 to 50 patients receive treatment in the Outdoor Department every day on an average, the shortage of doctors is hampering healthcare for people in remote areas.

The 10-bed health centre was established to ensure medical services for the people of Kukuya Union and nearby villages. Although the hospital was supposed to have doctors and necessary health workers, there has been a staff shortage for a long time. As a result, the capacity of this important government medical centre is not being utilised for the benefit of local people.

Local residents complain that due to the absence of doctors and necessary staff at the hospital, many patients come for treatment but do not receive proper services and are forced to go to the Amtali Upazila Health Complex and other distant hospitals. This crisis becomes more acute at night and in emergencies. As Indoor  services are closed, there is also no opportunity to admit patients to the hospital for treatment.

However, the hospital is not completely non-functional. Patients are receiving treatment in the outpatient department every day. An Upazila Health Assistant is performing duties regularly. But those concerned believe that this level of staffing is not sufficient to run a 10-bed health centre.

Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah, Civil Surgeon of Barguna, said that an Upazila Health Assistant has been performing duties at the 10-bed Kukuya Hospital for a long time. Indoor services have been closed for a long time. 

However, Outdoor services are running, and 40 to 50 patients are receiving services every day. He said, 'There is a severe shortage of staff at the hospital. I am trying to appoint a medical officer there permanently. I am hopeful that if a medical officer can be provided there, the rural common people will receive better healthcare services.'

According to relevant sources in the Health Department, to effectively operate the 10-bed Kukuya Hospital, it is necessary to ensure not only a doctor but also nurses, medicine supply, support staff and other personnel as required. If necessary measures are not taken to launch Indoor services, the hospital's 10 beds will remain effectively unused.