RAJSHAHI, Aug 21 (V7N) — Hundreds of women in rural areas of Puthia upazila, Rajshahi, are reportedly facing health risks after contraceptive implants remained in their bodies beyond their recommended duration amid a shortage of doctors at the upazila family planning office.

According to local sources, more than 200 women have been seeking the removal of expired contraceptive implants but have been unable to receive the required medical service.

The problem has reportedly persisted because the upazila family planning doctor, Dr Mohammad Sarwar Jahan, has been absent from the post for an extended period. Officials said he joined the post on March 23, 2023, but left on Aug 1 of the same year after receiving permission from the Ministry of Health to work as an anaesthetist at the Rajshahi Maternal and Child Welfare Centre.

However, sources said he continues to draw his salary and allowances from the Puthia family planning office, while his position has remained occupied, making it difficult for authorities to appoint a replacement.

Family planning officials said contraceptive implants cannot be removed without a qualified doctor. As a result, women whose implants have exceeded their recommended duration are reportedly being forced to continue carrying them.

An employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said more than 200 women, including Rehena Begum, Shiuli Khatun, Shapla Khatun, Tamnim Khatun and Aleya Begum, have reportedly been waiting for the implants to be removed.

The official said women regularly visit the office seeking help, but staff members cannot remove the implants without a doctor.

The staffing shortage has further affected family planning services in the upazila. Although 33 family planning assistants are supposed to be working in the area, only 15 are currently available. No community meeting on contraception has reportedly been held in rural areas for the past three months.

Puthia Upazila Family Planning Officer Md Hasanuzzaman Khan acknowledged the difficulties, saying the absence of a doctor and shortage of staff were hampering family planning services at the grassroots level.

Rajshahi Family Planning Deputy Director Abdul Razzaq said Dr Sarwar Jahan had been assigned to the Rajshahi Maternal and Child Welfare Centre because there was no facility for Caesarean deliveries at the upazila level.

He said another doctor had been given additional responsibility for removing contraceptive implants from women.

Meanwhile, local residents have submitted a written complaint to Rajshahi-5 lawmaker Professor Nazrul Islam Mondal, demanding urgent action to restore proper family planning services in Puthia.

The situation has raised concerns over the need for adequate medical staffing and timely follow-up care for women using long-acting contraceptive methods, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

END/MRA/SMA/