More than six and a half years after its official handover, Gopalganj Trauma Center remains only partially operational, with essential emergency services yet to begin in full capacity.
Currently, the facility’s outpatient department is running in a limited form with just two borrowed Assistant Community Medical Officers. Although the center was originally planned to have 14 staff members, including specialist doctors, only one class-IV employee has been appointed so far.
The 20-bed trauma center was constructed on one acre of land at Ghonapara in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila beside the Dhaka–Khulna Highway, with the objective of providing emergency treatment for accident and injury victims. Locally, it is commonly referred to as a ‘Pangu Hospital’.
According to project details, the Public Works Department awarded the construction contract in March 2014 under a project initiated in 2012. Although the original timeline was six months, the project experienced repeated delays, with six deadline extensions and four changes in project directors. Construction was eventually completed in December 2018 and the facility was handed over in January 2020.
Local residents and patients have expressed disappointment over the lack of services, stating that only basic medications for common illnesses such as fever, headache, and diarrhea are available. In emergency cases, patients are still required to travel to Khulna or Dhaka for treatment.
Locals also reported incidents of theft and damage to medical equipment, including operating theatre instruments and X-ray machines, due to prolonged underutilization of the facility.
Project Director Md Humayun Kabir said the main construction work was completed shortly after he assumed charge and the building was handed over in 2020. He noted that 14 posts, including two specialist positions, were created, but the center could not be fully launched due to manpower shortages.
Gopalganj Civil Surgeon Abu Syed Md Faruk said that the Ministry of Health has been repeatedly informed about staffing requirements. A Resident Medical Officer was previously appointed but later transferred. At present, outpatient services continue with only two Assistant Community Medical Officers. He expressed hope that full operations would begin once necessary recruitment is completed.
