Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex in Gopalganj is facing an acute shortage of doctors, hindering healthcare services seriously.
Despite having a 100-bed upazila health complex and two union health and family planning centers, the shortage of medical professionals has put immense pressure on healthcare delivery. On average, at least 300 patients seek treatment daily at the outpatient department of the upazila health complex.
Sources at the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex and Family Planning Office said that there are 54 posts for doctors across the three facilities, but only 10 doctors are currently in service. Of the 52 sanctioned posts at the Upazila Health Complex alone, only 12 doctors are posted. Two of them are on deputation in Dhaka and Faridpur, leaving just 10 doctors to run the hospital.
The Ramshil and Kushla Union Sub-Health Centers each have sanctioned posts for doctors, but both positions remain vacant. These facilities are operating with Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers, although midwifery and pharmacy services are available.
The situation is further aggravated by vacancies in specialist positions. All 10 sanctioned posts for senior consultants are vacant, while only four doctors are working against 11 Junior consultant positions. Similarly, just six medical officers are serving against 27 sanctioned posts, leaving 21 positions vacant. Among them, Medical Officer Dr. Sangita Pal is on deputation in Dhaka, and Unani (Homeopathic) Medical Officer Dr. Moyna Barai is currently working at Faridpur General Hospital.
Diagnostic and emergency services are also disrupted. The hospital’s X-ray machine has been out of operation due to cable theft and a damaged AVR, forcing patients to seek costly services outside. Ultrasonography services remain closed due to the absence of a qualified doctor. Pathology services are partially operational, and surgical procedures are conducted only once a week.
Patients and their families expressed frustration over inadequate services. Mizanur Rahman (65) of Uttarpara village said he was unable to obtain timely treatment for his wife due to long queues caused by the doctor shortage. “Doctors are struggling to handle the patient load. Immediate recruitment is necessary,” he said.
Khukumoni Begum from Madanpara village said her four-year-old son has been suffering from stomach problems for several days, but could not be examined promptly. “There are too many patients and too few doctors. We are suffering due to this crisis,” she said.
Champa Begum (32), whose 12-year-old son fractured his leg, said the non-functional X-ray machine forced them to pay five times the government-fixed rate at a private facility. “If the machine could be operational, treatment costs would have been much lower,” she said.
Tamim Iqbal (30) of Bandhabari village said his wife was admitted with labour pain but was referred to a private clinic due to limited surgical services. “Emergency obstetric services should be available daily to ensure safe deliveries,” he said.
Kotalipara Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Kumar Mridul Das said requests for additional doctors have been sent to the higher authorities. “We have been assured of new appointments. Initiatives are underway to repair the X-ray machine, and ultrasonography services will begin once manpower is available. If the doctor shortage is resolved, we plan to operate the theatre at least four days a week,” he added.