Imran, Jhenaidah Correspondent : Cesarean section (C-section) operations have been suspended in five upazila health complexes of Jhenaidah due to a severe shortage of doctors. For a long time, C-section services have remained unavailable in Maheshpur, Harinakundu, Shailkupa, Kaliganj, and Kotchandpur, forcing pregnant women to seek care at distant private clinics and hospitals. This not only increases treatment costs but also puts both mothers and newborns at significant risk.

According to reports, C-section operations have been suspended at Maheshpur Upazila Health Complex for almost a year, and the same situation prevails in the other four upazilas. The crisis stems from a lack of anesthesiologists and gynecologists, despite the fact that all five hospitals are equipped with modern operation theaters, oxygen cylinders, saline stands, and other necessary equipment—all in usable condition.

Shirin Akter, a pregnant woman, said, “Going to a government hospital would’ve cost less, but now we’re forced to go to distant private clinics—where doctors aren’t even always available.”

Rahmat Ali, a farmer from Kaliganj, expressed frustration: “If we can’t get treatment at government hospitals, where should we go? Without doctors, poor people are in even greater trouble.”

Farzana Khatun, a housewife from Harinakundu, said, “A C-section at a clinic costs at least 25,000 to 30,000 taka. How can poor people afford that? Still, we have no choice but to go there.”

Regarding the matter, Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman stated, “All upazila hospitals have the necessary surgical equipment. The main issue is the shortage of doctors. If doctors are appointed soon, C-section services can resume.”

According to the Health Department, if doctors were available, at least 200 women per month could receive cesarean services at these five government health complexes. The prolonged suspension has caused severe suffering, particularly for low-income families.