Patients injured in Friday’s earthquake are now facing a second crisis: the mounting cost of treatment, even inside government hospitals that many expected would offer affordable care.
At the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor), commonly known as Pangu Hospital, 128 injured people sought treatment in the aftermath of the quake.
Of them, 24 were admitted for further care, while the others received first aid and were sent home with instructions to return for follow-up visits if their condition worsened.
Among the injured is Shamim, who fractured his right leg after falling on the stairs while rushing out of his home during the tremor.
Sitting on a hospital bench with his leg in plaster, he said he had already spent around Tk20,000.
His brother Al-Amin said the accident happened during the family’s panic-stricken attempt to evacuate.
Shamim suffered cuts to his hand and toes alongside the fracture.
“X-rays and tests have been done, and doctors say he will need surgery after a week,” Al-Amin said.
“We are financially stretched. Tk20,000 is gone in just a few days. It would help if the costs were lower.”
Nearby, 28-year-old Sajib from Mymensingh lay bandaged from waist to feet.
He had been warning his family to stay alert during the quake when he lost his balance on the staircase of his workplace in Gazipur’s Kaliakair and fell.
Both legs and one hand were fractured, and he now suffers from severe back pain.
“I can’t move my hands or legs,” he said. “I’ve already spent Tk12,000 to Tk15,000. I earn minimum wage. Even in a government hospital, it’s difficult to manage these expenses.”
Another patient, Abu Sayeed, a 25-year-old student from Kurigram, was injured after he jumped from the second floor of his hostel in panic.
Several classmates were hurt the same way. His father said they had already spent Tk10,000 since admitting him on Friday, and doctors had recommended surgery after a few days of treatment.
The story was similar for 14-year-old Anik from Brahmanbaria, who broke his leg while trying to flee the tremor.
The boy works at a tea stall, and his father, a farmer, struggles to feed the family.
His mother said they had already spent around Tk10,000 and feared the cost would rise if surgery became necessary.
“The doctors have not even told us the full cost yet. I don’t know how we will arrange the money,” she said.
Some patients expressed frustration at the unexpectedly high expenses at a public hospital.
One man, who declined to be named, said he felt misled.
“We came here thinking costs would be low. But X-rays, tests, everything is expensive. Even a bandage cost Tk3,500. Back home, the same thing would cost Tk300 or 400. What is the benefit of coming to a government hospital then?”
He said staff told him the charges could not be reduced.
Responding to the complaints, Nitor administrative director Dr Md Rashidul Alam said all admitted patients were receiving appropriate treatment and observation.
He acknowledged that some costs may feel high but insisted that government hospitals remain more affordable than private facilities.
“Patients do not have to pay any doctor’s visit fees here. They pay for beds and medicines only. Outside, the cost would be double or higher,” he said.
“The expenses depend on the type of injury. Fractures and deep wounds require different and more expensive materials than regular cases.”
Dr Alam said the hospital is doing everything necessary for the injured and expressed hope that they will recover and return home soon.