Jhalokathi, Oct 6 (V7N) – Student and community activists in Nalchity upazila have launched a sit-in protest at the 50-bed Nalchity Upazila Health Complex, demanding improvements in the hospital’s services through a ten-point agenda. The demonstration began at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, highlighting long-standing deficiencies affecting healthcare for nearly 200,000 residents of the upazila.

Activists said the hospital has been struggling with multiple challenges, including a shortage of doctors, a non-functional operation theater, and an inoperative ultrasound machine. The protesters, part of the Health Sector Reform Movement of Nalchity, are demanding immediate action to restore essential medical services.

Their ten-point demand includes:

  1. Immediate recruitment of MBBS doctors for all vacant posts.

  2. Reopening of the operation theater, with at least three days per week of cesarean section services.

  3. Activation of the non-functional ultrasound machine.

  4. Allocation of a new digital X-ray machine.

  5. Full restoration of all pathological tests, including blood transfusions, dengue, typhoid, serum creatinine, lipid profile, and establishment of a blood club and dedicated hospital room.

  6. Provision of alternative power sources or full solar powering for the hospital to ensure uninterrupted electricity during load-shedding or natural disasters.

  7. Repair and activation of all non-functional water filters.

  8. Ensuring availability of all essential medicines for inpatients and outpatients.

  9. Adequate fuel allocation for uninterrupted ambulance services.

  10. Stop unnecessary referrals to Barishal for minor illnesses and prevent patient harassment.

Protester Md. Bali Taifur Rahman Turjo stated that the demonstration will continue until authorities provide formal assurances to meet their demands.

END/AIJ/SMA/