Locals' role helps improve community clinic services

The government-run community clinics, which can notably improve healthcare services in rural areas, are beset with multiple problems like infrastructural weaknesses, insufficient or irregular supply of medicines, and negligence of caregivers. But in two upazilas of Mymensingh, the community people have made a difference, by talking out the problems.

The community people regularly hold meetings among themselves, discuss the problems and challenges of the clinics and then place their recommendations before local government representatives, and officials of local administration and non-government organisations (NGOs).

At a recent meeting at Muktagachha Upazila Parishad, which this correspondent attended, locals talked to caregivers, local government representatives, and government and NGO officials.

"Insufficient medicine supply is the main problem of community clinics. It will be better for us if the allocation of medicines is increased," said Shila Dey, service provider of Krishnanagar Community Clinic at Bashati union of Muktagachha.

Nazma Akhter, an inhabitant of Kandigaon under the union, said a fence should be set up around Sayedpara Community Clinic.

In response, Muktagachha upazila health and family planning officer Dr Harun-Or-Rashid said the government provided the same amount of medicines to all clinics, but he would try to add to the supply from alternative sources.

He suggested that the community people raise funds by themselves for infrastructure development. If the initiative fails, local representatives may assist, he said, adding that if it too did not work, then the upazila parishad would intervene.

A platform for raising awareness among the local community about the clinic services and organising interactions with officials has been created by World Vision Bangladesh, an international humanitarian body. The organisation is also working in Fulbaria upazila the same way.

According to locals, the practice has improved healthcare services in their areas.

"Earlier, we did not get the doctors (healthcare providers) in the clinic most of the time and it closed after Zohr prayers. But now we have them till 3:00pm," said Rafiqul Islam, who came to Teligram Community Clinic at Fulbaria last week.

There are 39 clinics in Muktagachha and 46 in Fulbaria.

At Montala Community Clinic of Muktagachha, service-seeker Ramisa Begum said, "Earlier, we did not get medicines here, but now we get those for minor diseases like fever, cold, headache." There are over 13,000 community clinics in Bangladesh.