The government-run Mother and Child Hospital in Rangpur has come under scrutiny over allegations of irregular services, poor supervision and the absence of doctors and staff during official hours.
Patients and their relatives alleged that the hospital, which is supposed to provide round-the-clock healthcare services for pregnant women, newborns and children, is effectively operating only three days a week for a few hours.
The hospital, located in the New Engineering Para area of Rangpur city, is expected to provide maternal and child healthcare services, including normal deliveries, cesarean operations, family planning services, vaccinations, ultrasound, pathology tests and medicine supplies.
During a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, several departments were found without staff. Although lights, fans and air conditioners were running inside hospital rooms, doctors, nurses and employees were not seen in many sections.
The pathology and pharmacy departments were found unattended around 12:45pm.
Several pregnant women waiting for treatment expressed frustration over the situation.
“I came here the previous day and was asked to come at 9am on Tuesday. It is already noon, but there is no doctor or nurse. I have been waiting since morning,” said Moslema Begum, a resident of Alamnagar.
Another patient, Ajnuman Ara Begum from CO Bazar area, said she had not received proper treatment at the hospital for the past few months.
“This hospital is supposed to provide services from pregnancy care to childbirth, including normal delivery and surgery. But we have not been getting proper treatment here for the last two or three months,” she said.
Several pregnant women were seen waiting in the hospital ward. They alleged that no doctor or nurse had attended them since morning and that there was no one available to advise them about medication.
Around 12:10pm, three employees arrived at the hospital and claimed that medical services were provided three days a week. They also said some departments operated only on those days. However, they failed to show any official notice or written order supporting the claim.
Medical Officer Dr Marufa Begum arrived at around 12:30pm and sat in her chamber. She said she had been in the operation theatre earlier but declined to comment on the hospital’s overall condition, referring queries to higher authorities.
However, Assistant Director of the Rangpur Family Planning Department Shihab Uddin said the hospital was supposed to remain operational regularly except on government holidays.
“All departments are supposed to remain open regularly. Normal deliveries should be available 24 hours a day, and other services, including cesarean operations, should also be provided. Emergency services cannot remain closed,” he said.
He added that the allegations would be investigated and action would be taken if any negligence was found.
A hospital employee, requesting anonymity, alleged that officials from the Family Planning Department rarely visit the facility despite its close proximity.
Patients and their relatives have urged the authorities to ensure regular attendance of doctors and staff and strengthen monitoring so that the hospital can provide the maternal and child healthcare services for which it was established.