Due to a healthcare crisis at the 100-bed Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, patients are suffering badly. (Inset) Patients are being provided with beds in corridors, verandas, and makeshift ramps. Photo: Messenger
The healthcare services at Lakshmipur District Headquarters Hospital are being disrupted due to a shortage of beds, doctors, and manpower. Nearly 1.8 million people in the district are suffering from a lack of medical facilities.
Lakshmipur District Hospital, which has 100 beds, currently admits over 400 patients. Due to the crisis, patients are being provided with beds in corridors, verandas, and makeshift ramps. Many areas lack proper electric fans, causing discomfort to patients during hot weather. Additionally, dengue patients are being treated without mosquito nets.
In the outpatient department, approximately 2,000 patients are treated daily. However, despite the overcrowding, the hospital staff is working tirelessly to provide medical care. In some cases, the shortage of medical professionals, including senior consultants, doctors, and nurses, is affecting the quality of service. The hospital currently has only 50% of the required staff, and several key positions, such as senior consultants and doctors, remain vacant. There are only 18 nurses available for the entire hospital.
The situation is even more critical in the third and fourth-tier staff positions. Although the hospital has 100 beds, there are only about 50 staff members. Out of them, 3 senior consultant and 9 doctor positions are vacant. There is a severe shortage of nurses, with only 18 of them available. While 8 people are working at the ticket counter, none of them are government employees. Two janitors are employed, but one of them is unwell.
It is essential to urgently hire third and fourth-tier staff to ensure that the available doctors and nurses can provide prompt medical care. Despite the staff shortage, the hospital has maintained its reputation as one of the top healthcare facilities in the country over the past five years.
The hospital administration reports that they have 23 doctors, 84 nurses, and 41 approved positions for various roles to serve the 100-bed hospital. However, the shortage of senior consultants, especially in gynecology, medicine, and ENT departments, affects the quality of care. Out of 148 positions, 43 are currently vacant, creating difficulties for the medical staff to deliver proper care to patients. On Monday, the hospital had 437 patients admitted, including 73 dengue cases.
Patients from different wards, including male, female, gynecology, pediatrics, and diarrhea, are spread throughout the hospital building, with beds placed in corridors, verandas, and makeshift ramps. Many areas lack electric fans, and patients suffer from the heat. The patients' movement in the crowded hospital creates discomfort and poses challenges for their care.
A patient named Abu Bashar stated that he was being treated while lying on the floor, and when patients walk, it feels as if they are walking on top of them.
In the diarrhea ward, Nurse Mayna Begum reported that they have more patients than beds, but they are doing their best to provide care and improve the patients' health.
Shahida Begum, a nurse in the women's ward, mentioned that there are 30 patients with diarrhea in their ward, but only 12 are admitted. The shortage of nurses makes it impossible to provide full care to the patients.
Medical Officer Md Iqbal Mahmud explained that they are ensuring complete patient care with the available staff. However, the hospital faces a critical shortage of third and fourth-tier employees. With a staff of 250 for a 100-bed hospital, the situation has become challenging. Dengue patients are not provided with mosquito nets, primarily due to a lack of awareness among them. It is essential for everyone to be aware of dengue prevention.
Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Sadar Hospital Dr. Anwar Hossain said a new building is being constructed. Once the building is completed, a 250-bed program will be initiated, which should alleviate the patients' suffering. However, 250 beds worth of staff must also be appointed for this to make a significant impact.
Lakshmipur District Civil Surgeon (CS) Dr. Ahmed Kabir mentioned that information has been provided to the ministry to recruit manpower for the vacancies. We provide regular updates. Furthermore, the new building was initially scheduled for delivery in June 2023 but the timeline has been extended. Those responsible have stated that the building will be handed over to us by next June.
Messenger/Nuruddin/Disha
