United News of Bangladesh

Doctors at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal suspended outpatient services on Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing movement to press their five-point demand, causing immense suffering for hundreds of patients. Patients said ticket distribution for outpatient services started at 8 am as usual but after handing out 200 to 300 tickets, hospital staff abruptly stopped issuing them. Doctors left their chambers at 10 am, confirming the work stoppage, they said. According to hospital sources, around 1,500 to 2,000 people seek treatment at the hospital’s outpatient department daily. Murtuza Alam, a doctor participating in the strike, said, “The protest is being observed nationwide. Since the directive reached us late, ticket distribution had already begun in the morning. We provided treatment to those who received tickets before halting our services in line with central instructions. Further decisions will be taken as per directives from our central body.” Sher-e-Bangla Medical College students’ class boycott enters day 4 Witnesses said patients who had traveled long distances for medical care were left frustrated. Taslima Begum, a resident of Amanatganj in Barishal city, said, “They could have informed us earlier about the strike. We have been waiting since morning, only to be turned away without treatment.” Many others shared similar grievances as they were forced to return home without seeing a doctor. SBMCH Deputy Director Dr. Moniruzzaman Shahin sa

Healthcare services at the Bagerhat 250-bed hospital have been severely hampered for years due to a shortage of doctors, inadequate funding, and an ongoing crisis of hospital beds. Despite being the district’s main healthcare facility, the hospital continues to operate with resources meant for a 100-bed capacity, locals say. According to hospital records, 33 out of 58 physician posts remain vacant, creating a critical gap in patient care. The anesthesiology department, essential for surgeries and emergency interventions, has only one junior consultant. Due to this shortage, treatments for cardiac, ophthalmological, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) patients have been suspended. Other vital services remain non-functional. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been shut down after running for just one year, and kidney dialysis services have yet to begin, forcing critically ill patients to seek treatment elsewhere. With 400 patients admitted daily—far exceeding the hospital’s 250-bed capacity—many are forced to sleep on the floor, even in winter. During a visit to the hospital, patients were found lying on the floors of corridors, stairways, and near nurses' counters due to a lack of space. Md Zahid, a patient from Muginj, has been receiving treatment on the floor for four days. "I haven't received any food from the hospital," he said. Other patients, Eskendar Ali Sardar and Zihad Talukdar, shared similar experiences. Patients struggle at Pangu Hospital with 'No Empty Bed' persistent claim Nurses say they are overwhelmed by the heavy workload. Each nurse attends to 40-45 patients daily, making it nearly impossible to provide quality care. “We receive food allocations for only 40 patients, but we often have 75 to 80 admitted, leaving many without meals,” said Nilufa Khanom, a nurse in the surgery department. "This creates conflicts between staff and patient families." Established in 1970 as a 50-bed facility, the hospital was upgraded to 100 beds in 1992 and later to 250 beds in January 2022. However, its staffing and funding have remained at the 100-bed level, failing to match the rising patient demand. Currently, out of 10 senior consultant posts, only two are filled, and only four consultants are available out of 15 posts. The situation is even worse in the anesthesiology department, where just one doctor is available out of six. Meanwhile, the outpatient department sees 1,200 to 1,500 patients daily, while the emergency unit handles 250 cases—putting immense pressure on the hospital’s limited staff. Dr. Taposh Kumar Sarkar, the hospital’s resident medical officer, admitted that the facility is struggling to provide proper care to 17 lakh people in the district. Students besiege Naogaon Sadar Hospital over irregularities "Despite increasing the hospital’s capacity, manpower and funding have not been adjusted accordingly," he said. "Under such conditions, ensuring patient satisfaction is nearly impossible." He urged the government and local stakeholders to intervene immediately, warning that without urgent measures, the crisis will only worsen.

The National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR), widely known as Pangu Hospital, is struggling with an overwhelming number of patients and persistent complaints about its services. Located in the heart of Dhaka, the hospital's corridors are crowded with patients who wait for weeks—sometimes months—hoping for admission and treatment. Families Forced to Sleep in Corridors Mosammad Asma Begum, who traveled from Mymensingh with her husband Kajol, is one of many experiencing the hospital’s shortcomings. Kajol has a rib tumor, and despite arriving at the hospital 11 days ago, he has yet to be admitted. “On the first day, we got a ticket and saw a doctor. They said, ‘Not today, come tomorrow.’ The next day, the doctor did not see him, and on the following day, tests were ordered, but the required test was not available at the hospital. I was directed to a cancer hospital in Mohakhali. There, we were informed he has cancer and will need treatment at both places. However, the doctor never saw him again, and he wasn’t admitted,” she said, visibly distressed. Rokshana Begum has faced similar challenges over the past three months. “My husband came here with back pain, and it was later discovered that he had tuberculosis in his spine. We were told the operation would cost one lakh taka. How can we afford such an amount at a government hospital?” she lamented. Broker Syndicate Exploits Vulnerable Patients Adding to their woes, patients are targeted by brokers promising cheaper services at other hospitals. Asma Begum said, “Every day, 5 to 6 people approach us, offering to admit us to other hospitals for a lower fee.” Rokshana also recounted, “The brokers try to convince us to go to other hospitals, but we don’t listen. The other day, students caught some brokers and beat them up, but the hospital remains silent about it.” Extortion Over Basic Services Patients and their families face additional exploitation within the hospital premises. One patient revealed anonymously, “When we were taken on a trolley by the ward boy, they demanded Tk 800. This group of people keeps asking for Tk 800. We had to negotiate to reduce the price. We can't walk due to fractures, and they take advantage of that.” Hospital Management Responds Hospital director Mohammad Abul Kenan acknowledged the pressure on Pangu Hospital, saying, “All public hospitals in the country are overloaded. If treatment were perfect, patients wouldn't complain. Most come after accidents, and their moods aren’t great. Even when treatment is good, they may still feel dissatisfied.” Read:How DMCH could shape future of medical tourism in Bangladesh Kenan explained that the hospital has a total capacity of 1,000 beds, including two reserved for war veterans. “We have over 1,000 patients in our outdoor department. Around 250 patients visit the emergency department daily, and more than 1,200 stay inside. Providing the level of care found in the country’s top private hospitals or in Singapore and Malaysia is not possible here. That’s why we always have to say, ‘Sorry, no beds available." On allegations of patients waiting days without seeing a doctor, Kenan refuted the claims. “If someone is not admitted, they cannot stay outside for long. We make sure to admit emergency cases. If there are no beds, patients may remain outside. However, once admitted, doctors visit them every day,” he said. Hygiene and Washroom Issues Kenan admitted to the challenges of maintaining cleanliness. “Each ward has four washrooms, used by 20-25 patients each. Maintaining cleanliness is difficult as patients are often unaware of proper hygiene practices,” he noted.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s public healthcare system, now struggles with ‘widespread’ irregularities, including a severe shortage of medicines, leaving poor and middle-class patients without the proper care they desperately need. The hospital, consistently exceeding its bed capacity, is grappling with overcrowded wards and an overwhelming patient load, severely compromising its ability to provide proper medical care. Reports from various departments highlight a grim picture: unclean environments, low-quality food, inadequate staffing, and patients often forced to lie on the floors of overcrowded corridors and wards. Hospital Director Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan acknowledged the increasing number of patient complaints, admitting the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of these issues and steps are being taken to address them,” he said. However, the situation seems to have worsened, with one of the most concerning issues being the chronic shortage of medicines. A patient, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke about the difficulties of getting essential drugs from the hospital’s pharmacy. “Most of the necessary medicines are unavailable here. We often have no choice but to purchase them at higher prices from pharmacies outside,” the patient said. The stark contrast between the hospital’s shortages and the full stock of nearby pharmacies has raised suspicions about the management of medicine supplies within the facility. In one instance, a woman from a rural village was seen heading to a nearby pharmacy, escorted by a man. When asked about their destination, the woman confirmed that she was going to buy medicine. However, when questioned about the man’s identity or whether he was receiving a commission for directing patients to the pharmacy, he quickly avoided answering. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, when confronted about the shortages, explained that the problem lay in the supply chain. “What can we do if the government does not supply the required medicines? There are many items we need that are simply not being supplied,” he said. In addition to the medicine shortages, some patients have reported receiving only one type of medication over a span of several days due to the lack of necessary supplies. Families have frequently had to buy medications from outside sources, adding an extra financial burden on already struggling patients. One hospital staff member pointed to budgetary constraints as the primary reason behind the shortages. “We don’t have a government supply. We can’t always provide every medicine due to budget shortfalls. To offer complete services, we need to double our budget,” the staff member explained, though they declined to provide further details on the specifics of the hospital’s current budget allocation. Allegations of Syndicate and Bribery Practices Further complicating matters are widespread allegations of bribery and corrupt practices within the hospital. Several patients have claimed that hospital staff and ward aides are demanding bribes ranging from 50 to 100 taka for basic services such as providing wheelchairs and facilitating medical tests. These practices have added to the already heavy financial burden placed on families who are seeking essential medical care. One unregistered worker, seen assisting a patient, admitted to accepting tips for his services. "We don't force anyone to give us money, but if they do, it helps with our expenses," he said. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan has acknowledged the existence of such practices, stating that the hospital is actively working to address these issues.  "Both sides share the blame. We have dismissed several people based on these complaints and are working to dismantle such practices, though complete eradication has yet to be achieved.” Read: Mismanagement and overcrowding plague Dhaka Medical College Hospital Earlier this year, in February, the High Court weighed in on the pervasive influence of syndicates in the healthcare sector. The court described the syndicates as playing "games of ducks and drakes" with people’s lives, accusing them of supplying expired drugs and medical equipment for profit. The court urged all concerned parties to remain vigilant and take action to protect vulnerable patients from such exploitative practices. Struggling Medical Supply Chain Medicine supply has long been a challenge in Bangladesh's public healthcare system. A 2020 survey revealed that 72% of public hospitals face regular shortages of medicines, exacerbating the difficulties for patients who rely on these facilities for care. A number of factors contribute to these shortages, including inadequate budget allocation, limited healthcare insurance, and an overwhelming number of outpatients. The public healthcare sector has historically received less than 1% of the country’s GDP over the past 12 years, which is insufficient to meet the demands of the growing population. Without health insurance, many patients are required to pay for outpatient services, further compounding the strain on public hospitals. Despite these challenges, some efforts have been made to improve the situation. The World Bank provided critical assistance, including supplying vaccines, syringes, and medical equipment to help Bangladesh manage the COVID-19 crisis. Besides, the government heavily subsidises public healthcare, though these subsidies are often insufficient to meet the growing demands of the system. A study conducted in 2013 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital highlighted further issues in the hospital's medical supply chain. The study, which surveyed hospital shop employees, revealed that over half of the drugs were purchased through open tender, while a significant portion came through direct purchases and donations. Read more: Government renames 14 hospitals and medical colleges However, the hospital's pharmacy suffers from a lack of proper storage facilities, with no air-conditioning or refrigeration available in the store. The management has called for improvements in quality control, storage facilities and training to improve the system. Looking Ahead The situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital paints a worrying picture of the state of public healthcare in Bangladesh. From the lack of basic medicines to the widespread practice of bribery and corruption, the hospital's problems are a microcosm of the systemic issues that plague the broader healthcare system. While efforts to improve the situation are ongoing, patients and healthcare workers alike are calling for more substantial reforms, increased funding, and greater transparency to ensure that Bangladesh’s public healthcare system can truly meet the needs of its people.

Seven more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 257 this year. During the period, 1, 139 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 230 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 179 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation.  Some 3,838 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 52, 058 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

Three more patients were hospitalised with dengue in the 24 hours to Thursday morning. Of the new patients, all were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). 24 dengue patients, including 14 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, the DGHS has recorded 796 dengue cases, 766 recoveries, and nine deaths this year. The country logged 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Also, it recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries last year.

One person died and twenty people were hospitalized with dengue in the 24 hours till Monday morning. Of the new patients, nine were admitted to the hospitals in Dhaka and 11 outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). A total of 170 dengue patients, including 57 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country So far, DGHS recorded 289 dengue cases and 118 recoveries this year with one death. Also Read: Dengue: 27 more patients hospitalised in 24 hrs The country reported 281 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease last year, the highest ever dengue fatalities recorded in a single year in Bangladesh. The previous record of 179 deaths was reported in 2019. The DGHS has recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries in the past year.    

Thirty-one more people were hospitalised with dengue in the 24 hours to Thursday morning. However, no fatalities were reported during this period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Also, the DGHS has not reported any dengue death in the first five days of this year. The country recorded 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after the 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Read more:Two more dengue patients die, new cases 462 A total of 214 dengue patients, including 101 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. The DGHS has recorded 207 dengue cases and seven recoveries so far this year. It recorded 62,423 cases and 61,971 recoveries last year.  

A digital X-ray machine at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital has been lying inoperative for lone due to negligence of the hospital authorities, depriving treatment seekers from the service.According to hospital sources, the government sent a Listem 500MA Digital X-ray machine for Jhenaidah Shishu Hospital in 2008 at a cost of TK 60 lakh. Though the machine was very important for diagnosis and treatment of children, it was not even unpacked for six years at the hospital. Then it was brought to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital in 2014, said Shafiqul Islam, in-charge of the X-ray department of the hospital. Read more: X-ray machines at most Feni govt hospitals not working for years "When it was unboxed, it was found that rats entered the X-ray machine and cut the wires of the machine into pieces, leaving the fluoroscopy site damaged," he added. “Though the radiography site was operational at that time, now the whole machine is out of order due to lack of repair.” “It remained inoperative for the last 8 years. The machine will be repaired next June if we get government allocation”, said Shafiqul. When contacted, Dr. Ali Hasan Farid, head of Jhenaidah Shishu Hospital, said he can't say anything about it as he joined the hospital in 2021. He, however, said that they have sent a list of requirements to the ministry for many equipment including x-ray machines for the hospital. Read more: Govt to set pvt hospitals’ service fees: Health Minister

Forty-nine more people were hospitalised with dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning. Of the new patients, 19 were admitted to the hospitals in Dhaka and 30 outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). A total of 212 dengue patients, including 102 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country So far, DGHS recorded 176 dengue cases and 36 recoveries this year with zero death. Read more: Dengue: 29 more patients hospitalised in 24 hrs The country reported 281 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease last year, the highest ever dengue fatalities recorded in a single year in Bangladesh. The previous record of 179 deaths was reported in 2019. The DGHS has recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries in the past year.