No healthcare for Debidwar residents

Local sources said Debidwar Upazila Health Complex was failing to provide proper medical services to local patients due to doctors’ negligence in duties, middleman’s interference in medical services, acute crisis of electricity and lack of pure drinking water as well as logistic supports. Patients, who come to the hospital for treatment, alleged that the health complex had turned into a gathering place for local junkies. Local drug addicts everyday gather on the hospital premises after sunset and take different types of abusive drugs. Apart from this, the health complex is also suffering for doctor’s negligence, as most of the doctors do not perform their duties properly. They prefer to spend time in clinics as well as residences. Moreover, a group of doctors allegedly assaulted a residential medical officer recently, as the officer issued notices for several doctors asking them show causes why they remain absent in duties often. Atiqur Rahman, a local journalist, said: “Only seven to eight doctors out of 20 are sincere in rendering their duties while rest keep them busy in private clinics. Sometimes only four to five doctors come to hospital and they leave office after lunch.” He also alleged that doctors with the help of staff sold government drugs meant for free disbursement among patients to neighbouring pharmacies. There is also an allegation that doctors prescribed sub-standard medicines to patients in exchange of gift which they get from medical representatives of several companies. Abdul Mobin, a resident of Chhoto Alam area in the upazila, said: “The environment of the health complex is very unhygienic and patients are compelled to take medical services in unhygienic environment which is very harmful for them. “Sometimes doctors cannot work in operation theatre for lack of electricity and water,” he said. Hospital sources said on Saturday Md Shahinur Alam Sumon, residential medical officer, issued show cause notice to doctors – Abdullah Al Maruf and Monjurul Islam – for their absence in duties. Later, Abdullah and Monjurul along with other doctors of the health complex allegedly assaulted the RMO and asked him to withdraw show cause notice. Shahinur said: “Abdullah Al Maruf and Monjurul Islam along with Mamunur Rashid and Nazmul Hasan Papon have assaulted me recently, as I issued show cause notices against them for their negligence in duties. “They also asked me not to interfere in their matter if I want to continue my duty.” Monjurul, however, denied the allegation of assaulting RMO. He said: “I was busy with my examination that’s why I could not present in my duty. We only engaged into an argument with RMO.” The correspondent tried to take comments of other doctors, but could not as they did not receive calls. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Sadek Mia said: “I have heard about the incident. Now, I am on leave and I will take action after returning to office.”