Shortage of doctors, medicines, hospital beds, and healthcare staff in government hospitals across Jhenaidah is depriving the people of essential medical services. Patients, especially poor and low-income residents in rural areas, are suffering daily as the district’s public healthcare system continues to deteriorate.
At the same time, the unchecked operations of unlicensed and illegally run private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers have made healthcare even more difficult and expensive for patients.
Although the administration has declared Jhenaidah a ‘green zone’ regarding the ongoing measles outbreak in the country, concerns remain high as the number of children showing measles symptoms has already crossed one hundred.
Abu Toab Apu, an organizer of the Public Health Service Movement, said there is no longer a proper environment for quality healthcare in government hospitals.
“There are no special service arrangements for elderly people, women, or general patients. Due to political influence and VIP culture, ordinary people are facing various forms of harassment and suffering,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the lack of accurate information regarding measles, pneumonia, and child deaths in the district.
“Although the administration claims the situation is under control, the actual picture is not being reflected properly. Across the country, more than 400 children have reportedly died during the measles outbreak. Effective initiatives must be taken immediately to prevent further child deaths,” he added.
Patients and their relatives at the 250-bed Jhenaidah General Hospital described severe hardships in receiving treatment. Many said they are unable to obtain essential life-saving medicines, while long queues and a shortage of doctors often prevent patients from seeing physicians even after waiting for hours.
Patients in the surgery, gynecology, medicine, and pediatric wards reported that many are forced to stay on floors and balconies because of an acute shortage of beds. The situation is particularly critical in the children’s ward, where around 200 patients are admitted daily despite having only 47 beds.
Dr Anorul Islam, Senior Consultant of the Pediatric Department at Jhenaidah General Hospital, said the ward is operating at nearly three times its official capacity.
According to him, between 350 and 400 children visit the hospital’s outpatient department every day for treatment, but the shortage of doctors is seriously hampering healthcare services.
The crisis has also spread to community clinics across the district. The government established 187 community clinics in 67 unions across six upazilas of Jhenaidah to ensure healthcare services at the grassroots level. Previously, these clinics supplied 27 types of medicines free of cost for common illnesses such as fever, cough, cold, and headaches. However, most clinics now have only two or three types of medicines available, while some have stopped medicine distribution entirely.
As a result, patients are returning home empty-handed and are being forced to purchase medicines from private pharmacies at additional cost.
Majedul Haque, a healthcare provider at Kaluhati Community Clinic in Jhenaidah Sadar, said the situation has become frustrating for both patients and healthcare workers.
According to the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon’s Office, 115 patients with measles symptoms visited hospitals in the district between March 15 and April 26. Of them, 105 children were admitted for treatment, while 83 later recovered and returned home.
Dr Farhana Tasneem, MOCS of the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon’s Office, said the district remains in the ‘green zone' and all suspected cases are being closely monitored.
Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Kamruzzaman Sohel acknowledged the severe shortage of doctors in district and upazila-level government health institutions.
“With the increasing demand for healthcare services, managing the situation has become extremely challenging due to the shortage of doctors and resources,” he said.
