Patients seeking medical care at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) are finding themselves trapped in the clutches of different syndicates, where even essential medical services that should be provided free of charge become tools of extortion.
Allegations of multiple syndicates operating within KMCH have come to light as patients and their relatives complain about being compelled to pay for medical care over an extended period.
Patients are required to pay Tk100 for clearance. Additionally, they are forced to pay between Tk200 to Tk300 for nasal tube insertion, Tk50 to Tk100 for oxygen support setup, Tk200 to Tk300 for catheter wear and Tk200 to Tk300 for wheelchair or stretcher use.
Jharna Begum, the wife of a patient admitted to the hospital, said: "We needed a wheelchair to take my husband to the hospital's pathology department for testing. But to get one, we had to calculate the time and pay Tk100 to Tk300. Even during admission, they charged us Tk200 to take my husband up to the fourth-floor ward. However, when we offered Tk50, they simply tossed it away."
Number of patients overwhelms KMCH
Moin Islam from Bagerhat developed a fever and tested positive for dengue at a local hospital. He was then transferred to KMCH but could not find a bed, so he settled for a small space on the floor with a mat and mosquito net. A doctor prescribed him paracetamol, but he had to buy most medicines from outside.
KMCH Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Suhas Ranjan Halder said that on July 15, 1,556 patients were at the hospital, and on July 16, the number rose to 1,655. He explained that the hospital is facing a significant patient overload, with more than three times the capacity of patients. The number of patients seeking medical care is increasing daily, putting considerable pressure on the hospital's resources.
Currently, over 1,000 patients are occupying the floors, and the hospital's inability to provide them with beds is deeply concerning. Dr Haider expressed frustration at the situation, as there seems to be no immediate solution.
Staff shortage
According to hospital sources, there are 300 doctor posts for 500 beds, but unfortunately, 92 of these positions are vacant. Moreover, the third- and fourth-grade manpower structure, meant for 250 beds, has 144 positions vacant. Additionally, there are nine vacant nurse posts.
These staffing shortages significantly impact the hospital's ability to efficiently handle the influx of patients, making it all the more crucial to address the staffing needs promptly.
What did the authorities say?
Hospital authorities said they will closely monitor the syndicates' activities. However, the post of deputy director has remained vacant for the past seven months, making it difficult to oversee operations adequately. Moving forward, these issues will be thoroughly investigated.
KMCH, with a capacity of 500 beds, is taking in more than three times the number of patients it can accommodate. Consequently, patients are cramped in every available space, including the wards, hospital balconies, and pathways. This overcrowded situation puts immense pressure on patients, exacerbating their suffering. Furthermore, the presence of hospital syndicates only adds to the patients' distress.
KMCH Director Rabiul Hasan denied the doctor shortage claims, asserting that they have enough doctors for the 500-bed capacity. Instead, the hospital faces a scarcity of sanitation workers, affecting patient care.
He said: “KMCH's resources are strained due to the overwhelming number of patients, causing considerable suffering. The practice of demanding money during clearance adds to the patients' burdens. However, hospital authorities have assured that the syndicates will be placed under strict surveillance.”
The vacancy of the deputy director post for seven months has made it challenging to oversee operations effectively. The director pledged to investigate and resolve all issues promptly.