Azad, Lakshmipur Correspondent : The Upazila Health Complex serves as the sole source of medical care for approximately 400,000 residents of Raipur, Laxmipur. Despite having a 50-bed facility, the public opts for the 100-bed Sadar Hospital. Each day, over a thousand patients visit the outdoor section of this hospital seeking treatment. Furthermore, the hospital is operating at three times its intended capacity.
On Sunday (July 27), it was observed that the men’s and women’s departments each have 20 beds, totaling 40. However, there are 92 patients currently admitted against these 50 beds. In the children’s ward, 21 patients are occupying 10 beds. Consequently, nearly all wards are accommodating more patients than they can handle. With such a high number of patients, the doctors and nurses on duty are visibly struggling to deliver adequate medical care.
Nearly three times the number of patients compared to available beds are lying on the floor, obstructing traffic routes. The lack of sufficient space, combined with the oppressive heat, has caused additional suffering among patients. In light of the overwhelming patient load, there is a shortage of both beds and doctors. The absence of medical professionals for complex cases means that many patients are unable to receive the necessary care. Consequently, numerous patients with complicated health issues are compelled to seek treatment at private hospitals.
Hospital sources indicate that patients from various locations come to this 50-bed facility for treatment. Those with serious conditions must be admitted, while some receive only preliminary care. Patients are treated outdoors from morning until noon.
From Sunday morning until 1 PM (July 27), 92 patients were admitted, including Nafisa (8), Hasibur Rahman (9), Yamin (12), Tofail Ahmed (70), Tajal Islam (65), Fatima (14), Abdul Ahad (21 months), Mim (18), Rafiq Ullah (60), Shahnaz (25), Shamsul Haque (75), Sami (45), Fatima (9), and Manik Dewan, along with 21 children and elderly individuals. Last Wednesday, 33 patients were admitted, and on Thursday, another 33 patients were received.
On Friday, 39 individuals received treatment, on Saturday, 42 individuals were treated, and on Sunday, 92 patients were admitted.
Swapna Akhtar, the mother of hospitalized patient Yasin (10), stated, “I brought my young son Yasin to the hospital due to a nasal issue. However, since there were no available beds, we had to sleep on the floor. I have been caring for my son on the floor for the last three days.”
Patients in the male ward, Tofail Ahmed and Tajal Islam, both elders from Charbangshi village, remarked, “There are no beds available. How can there be enough beds for such a large influx of patients? Therefore, they must remain on the floor.”
A woman named Mim from Madhupur village within the municipality expressed that she is gravely ill and has been admitted to the hospital. She has been provided a bed on the floor. Due to insufficient airflow from the fan, she resorts to using paper to cool herself.
Mamunur Rashid Palash, the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Raipur Hospital, commented, “Patients are receiving adequate care in this hospital, and those with serious conditions are referred to Sadar Hospital.
The daily influx of patients puts immense pressure on our services. We are struggling to deliver medical care as the number of patients is three times greater than the available beds.”
Raipur Government Hospital has 50 beds and 105 staff members, which is significantly below the sanctioned strength of 203. Key doctor positions remain unfilled. Additionally, when a doctor takes leave, their services are suspended, forcing patients to leave without receiving care.
