Defying all odds, a century-old ayurvedic psychiatric treatment centre in Chattogram is proudly operational, serving patients, especially insolvent ones, with love and care.

Located in a remote village in Chandanaish upazila, Damodar Aushadhalaya, once the lone treatment centre for patients of southern Chattogram, was established in Joara village around 142 years ago in 1880.

Nishi Chandra Das, a famous ayurvedic doctor of the port city, founded Damodar Aushadhalaya on 10 acres of land in the village.

Soon after its inception, the centre's fame started spreading far and wide. As words of its quality service reached them, patients from nearby districts started coming to the centre for treatment, said locals.

A fraction of this reputation is still intact today, even when advanced medical technology has swept through the market. However, despite its authorities' best attempts, the shabby state of the centre is increasingly becoming an obstacle, with renovation put on hold due to lack of funds.

Visiting the centre recently, this correspondent found eight patients undergoing treatment there. The cabins and beds were like the structure itself – ragged and worn-down.

Pijus Sen, the on-duty doctor, said, "The centre is operating with the nominal sum we earn from patients'. Fees range from Tk 5,000-7,000 per month; although payments are monthly, many patients don't have the ability to pay even Tk 500 a month. We treat them free of cost."

"In many cases, family members don't visit the patients for months," he said, adding, "We treat a patient for three months at best; if their condition improves, they're released. Otherwise they are referred to Pabna Mental Hospital or the mental ward at Chittagong Medical College Hospital."

Pijus said currently, the centre can accommodate 20 patients. If they can get government support, many more could be served there, he said.

Contacted, Sumani Akter, additional district magistrate of Chattogram, said she will look into the matter.