Patients and visitors at Sapahar Upazila Health Complex are suffering from a foul stench and unhygienic conditions after a contractor allegedly left renovation work on the sewage system unfinished.
The contractor abandoned the work in the sewage system in the hospital's Outpatient Department (OPD) halfway.
Human waste is overflowing from a damaged outlet tank, creating a strong stench around the Outpatient Department.
Hospital authorities said they have repeatedly contacted the relevant authorities seeking a solution, but the problem has yet to be resolved.
According to hospital sources, Delwar Hossain was awarded the contract to renovate the OPD of Sapahar Upazila Health Complex for the 2025-26 fiscal year. However, he allegedly abandoned the work before completing it, leaving the damaged toilet sewage system unrepaired.
As a result, human waste is spilling through a broken section of the outlet tank, creating an unhygienic environment in the surrounding area.
Patients and their relatives said the foul smell has made it difficult to stand or wait in the area, particularly outside doctors' chambers.
Hasan Ali, a patient’s relative, said he was shocked by the condition when he arrived at the hospital.
"The stench from the toilets spreads throughout the area. People come here to get treatment, but the environment itself can make them sick," he said, calling for a permanent solution.
Another patient's relative, Sumaiya Akter, said the overflowing waste has made the hospital environment unbearable.
Mostafa Kamal, a patient, said the foul smell made it difficult for him to stand in the queue.
"I already find it difficult to wait for a long time while I am unwell. The smell makes me feel like vomiting," he said.
Several attempts were made to contact contractor Delwar Hossain over the phone for his comment, but he did not answer.
Dr Rashid Nayib Sizan, resident medical officer at the hospital, said the unfinished work is affecting the delivery of healthcare services.
"Medical care is not only about diagnosis and medicine. We are committed to providing proper services to everyone, but the unfinished work has become an obstacle," he said.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Arifuzzaman said the hospital authorities have repeatedly submitted written requests to the relevant officials to resolve the problem urgently.
Naogaon Civil Surgeon Dr Aminul Islam said the renovation work was being carried out by the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Rajshahi, and that the contractor stopped the work without giving a valid reason.
He said he discussed the matter with Nowroz Mohammad Tarek, executive engineer of DPHE Rajshahi, who assured him that the remaining work would be completed soon, either by the existing contractor or by appointing a new one.
Several attempts were made on Friday to contact Nowroz Mohammad Tarek over the phone for details about the delay and a possible completion date, but he did not answer the calls.