The only X-ray machine at Rajapur Upazila Health Complex has remained out of order for about five years, much to the suffering of patients.

The equipment for carrying out other pathological tests are available, but there are no technicians to run them.

"Patients have to go to private diagnostic centres for X-ray and various medical tests," said Abul Khair Mahamud Russel, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of the hospital.

Old people who have been admitted to the hospital are the worst victims as they are forced to go out of the hospital when the doctor advises them to have X-ray or any other pathological tests, he added. 

Dulal Howlader, a day labourer, came to the hospital for free treatment but he had to spend about Tk 600 to have an X-ray taken at a private diagnostic centre.     

"I came to the hospital for free treatment of my child, but I had to borrow money to go a private diagnostic centre for an X-ray of my child's chest," said Momtaz Begum.

"The poor facilities at the health complex have forced us to go to private clinics and spend a large amount of money," said Saidur Rahman, a college teacher.

X-ray and pathological tests are essential for diagnosing diseases and giving proper treatment, said Dr Mahabubur Rahman, the upazila health and family planning officer.

"We are facing severe problems as our patients do not get the X-ray facilities due to the inoperative X-ray machine. We need a digital X-ray machine and an operator," he said.

Sometimes patients do not have any test or X-ray done at a private diagnostic centre due to the high cost, he added.

"I have been sending requests to the authorities concerned every month for a digital X-ray machine and a technician for doing pathological tests, but there has been no response yet," said Mahabub.