Improper disposal of medical and food waste at the 250-bed Kurigram General Hospital has triggered serious environmental pollution, exposing hospital staff, patients' attendants, and nearby residents to significant health risks.
Large quantities of medical waste have accumulated around a pond adjacent to the hospital due to the absence of an effective waste management system and irregular waste removal. Residents complain that the rotting waste emits a foul odour and has made life unbearable in the surrounding area.
A visit to the hospital premises found heaps of medical waste dumped on the western bank of the pond near the staff quarters and a mosque, with no apparent safety measures in place. Hospital food waste and even dead poultry were seen mixed with the garbage. Dogs, crows, and other animals were scavenging through the waste, spreading contaminants across the area and into the pond.
The pond is bordered by residential quarters, diagnostic centers, and a mosque, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety.
Yakub, a hospital employee who lives in the staff quarters, said he and his family have been forced to endure the stench and health hazards for a long time.
"We have repeatedly informed the authorities, but nothing has changed. The pond water has become contaminated by medical waste and garbage. It is unsafe even to touch the water," he said.
Senior Staff Nurse Sheikh Shefali Rahman, who resides in the hospital quarters, expressed frustration over the situation.
"We work to provide healthcare services, yet our own families are exposed to serious health risks because of this environment. We urge the authorities to take immediate action," she said.
Residents living near the pond echoed similar concerns. Ravi, a local resident, said the waste has made daily life difficult.
"We have to pass through the garbage every day. The stench is unbearable, and the pond water has become polluted. Eating fish from the pond could be dangerous," he said.
Sohel Hosnain Kaikobad, a resident of Hospitalpara and administrator of the district council, said the hospital waste has polluted the entire neighbourhood.
"Patients' relatives, hospital employees and local residents are all facing health risks. People once used the pond water for bathing and ablution, but now it is unsafe. The waste must be removed immediately, and a proper waste management system should be introduced," he said.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Nur Newaz Ahmed acknowledged the problem, blaming the municipality for failing to remove the waste regularly.
"The municipality is responsible for transporting the accumulated waste, but it has not been doing so. As a result, the environment has become polluted and the pond water contaminated," he said.
He also claimed that the hospital paid Tk 56.9 lakh in municipal taxes during the current fiscal year but was not receiving adequate services in return.
"We have repeatedly requested the municipality to remove the waste. We will formally write to them again seeking urgent action," he added.
Kurigram Municipality Administrator and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) BM Kudrat-e-Khuda, however, said municipal workers face safety risks while handling the hospital waste.
"Broken glass and used syringes often cause injuries to our cleaners. We have asked hospital authorities to store waste in black polythene bags to ensure safe handling. Nevertheless, we will take steps to remove the accumulated waste," he said.
He added that greater awareness and cooperation from the hospital authorities would help improve waste management and make disposal operations safer and more effective.
