Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital limps

Medical services at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital have been limping due to a shortage of doctors and staff, lack of modern diagnostic equipment and inadequate ambulance facilities, causing frustration among patients and their relatives.

The hospital, which should provide healthcare services around the clock, mostly refer patients to Rangpur Medical College Hospital after giving primary treatment, according to the locals.

Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital is the main healthcare facility for residents of five upazilas of the district and neighbouring Phulbari upazila of Kurigram, serving around 2.5 lakh people. However, patients complain that due to the absence of modern diagnostic equipment, they are forced to undergo tests at private clinics outside the hospital, increasing treatment costs and disrupting care for many financially struggling families.
Sanitation has also deteriorated due to a shortage of sweepers, leaving garbage scattered in different parts of the hospital premises and creating an unhygienic environment.

According to hospital sources, 41 doctor posts are sanctioned for the 100-bed facility, but only 22 are currently filled, leaving 19 vacant. Of the 73 sanctioned nurse posts, 65 are filled while eight remain vacant.
Several Class III and IV posts, including medical technologist (physio), medical technologist (radio), pharmacist, ticket clerk, ward master, lab attendant, cook, dom, office assistant, stretcher bearer, sweeper and ward boy, also remain vacant.

Mofidar Rahman, who brought a patient from Mahishkhochan Union of Aditmari upazila, alleged that the hospital suffers from a lack of manpower, obsolete equipment, insufficient beds and ambulance shortages. As a result, many patients and their relatives are forced to stay on balconies, stairs and floors.

He also complained about the unhygienic conditions of the hospital, saying dogs and cats roam freely inside the premises. Although the government supplies essential medicines, allegations have surfaced that some of them are sold on the black market.

Relatives of patients further alleged that even minor surgeries are often delayed or avoided with various excuses and that the behaviour of some doctors and nurses is unsatisfactory. They also claimed that many specialist doctors live in Rangpur and remain busy at private clinics there, leading to frequent patient referrals to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Anwara Begum, 48, from Patikapara village in Hatibandha upazila, said her patient was given first aid and then referred to Rangpur as doctors said treatment was not possible at the hospital.

Hospital Supervisor Akhtaruzzaman said the 250-bed hospital requires at least 90 doctors, 160 nurses and 24 additional staff members to operate properly. However, it currently has only 19 doctors and 62 nurses, which has led to serious disruptions in medical services.