Jhalakathi, Jan 15 (V7N) — More than two lakh residents of Kanthalia Upazila in Jhalakathi have been deprived of proper medical services for years due to an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, officials, employees, and essential diagnostic facilities at Amua Upazila Health Complex.

Amua Hospital is the only government hospital in the upazila, serving a population of over two lakh. However, healthcare services have nearly collapsed as 45 key posts, including doctors and medical technologists, have remained vacant for a long time. As a result, pathological tests and diagnostic services have been suspended, forcing patients to rely on private clinics at high cost.

Established in 1963, the 61-year-old 50-bed hospital currently resembles a “chronic patient” itself. Despite having a modern building, furniture, a well-equipped operation theatre, and advanced medical equipment, the lack of manpower has rendered most facilities non-functional.

Two state-of-the-art digital X-ray machines, an ECG machine, and essential pathology lab equipment have remained unused for 8 to 10 years and are now reportedly damaged due to neglect.

X-ray and Pathology Services Shut for a Decade

Hospital sources revealed that the radiology section has been closed since May 12, 2014, following the death of the hospital’s lone medical technologist (radiographer). No replacement was appointed afterward, resulting in the closure of the X-ray room for nearly a decade.

The condition of the pathology lab is even worse. Due to the absence of equipment and manpower, no laboratory tests are conducted, compelling patients to spend additional money at private diagnostic centers outside the upazila.

Acute Doctor Shortage

According to hospital records, there are 19 sanctioned doctor posts, including:

  • 1 Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer (UHFPO)

  • 1 Resident Medical Officer (RMO)

  • 7 Medical Officers

  • 10 Consultants

  • 1 Dental Surgeon

Currently, only four doctors—the UHFPO, RMO, and two medical officers—are serving at the hospital. Fifteen doctor posts have remained vacant for years.

Vacant specialist positions include:

  • Gynecologist

  • Surgeon

  • Medicine Specialist

  • Anesthetist

  • Dental Surgeon

  • Station Surgeon

  • Homeopathic Medical Officer

  • Family Welfare Visitors (3 unions)

  • Two Medical Officers

  • Two Nurses

Staff Crisis Worsens Services

Out of 56 sanctioned third- and fourth-grade posts, 28 remain vacant. The hospital currently has only one radiographer, two physiotherapists, one pharmacist, two medical assistants, and a few administrative staff. Posts for 12 health assistants, five office assistants, three cleaners, three ward boys, and two ayas have remained vacant for years, further crippling hospital operations.

Patients Forced to Seek Treatment Elsewhere

Patients complain that due to the lack of doctors and diagnostic facilities, they have been forced for years to travel to Bhandaria, Rajapur, Betagi, Jhalakathi Sadar, and even Barishal for treatment—incurring additional costs and delays.

During a recent visit, more than a hundred patients were seen standing in long queues to receive treatment from just two doctors. Most patients were suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, skin diseases, seasonal illnesses, and cold-related ailments. Pregnant women were also among those waiting.

Voices from the Ground

Md. Jalal Fakir of Dakshin Chechri village said,
“I came here with fever and headache. The doctor advised a blood test, but there is no testing facility. I had to go to a private clinic and spend extra money. We are poor people, so we come to government hospitals, but even here we don’t get medicines or tests.”

Hospital Authority Speaks

Dr. Tapas Kumar Talukder, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said,
“Out of 19 doctor posts, only four—including myself—are currently filled. Of the 56 employee posts, 28 have been vacant for a long time. Despite our willingness to provide services, we are unable to do so due to the manpower crisis.”

He added,
“Due to the absence of consultants, major surgeries are not being performed. Diagnostic equipment like X-ray machines are being damaged because there are no medical technologists. We regularly inform higher authorities, but manpower has not been allocated. Even basic posts such as cleaners, guards, and ayas have not been filled.”

Growing Demand for Immediate Action

Local residents have demanded urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health, warning that unless doctors, nurses, and technical staff are appointed immediately, the healthcare crisis in Kanthalia will worsen further—putting thousands of lives at risk.

END/AI/AJ