Lurking danger at Jurachhari Health Complex

Jurachhari Upazila Health Complex, the only medical centre for the health services of 40,000 people in Jurachhari, the most remote upazila of Rangamati district, is in a dilapidated condition.

According to the health complex official, the health complex was built in 1978. Although the health complex was extended to 50 beds in 2012, the medical facility is yet to see any infrastructural development.

Patients and local people said that the wall of that hospital is at risk of collapse any moment and that is why they are afraid to go to the hospital for treatment.

Built in 1978, the health complex is yet to see any infrastructural development. The wall of that hospital is at risk of collapse any moment. Photo: Star

It is also plagued with manpower crisis. Currently, there are only five doctors against 11 posts.

It could be learned that due to a severe earthquake in the adjoining Barkal upazila in 2001, large cracks appeared in different parts of the complex building. At present, the entire facility is at risk of an impending disaster.

Ratneshwar Chakma, 34, of Tashi para village in the upazila, said a few months ago, he went to the health complex to get his brother admitted there. But seeing the precarious condition of the hospital building, he did not get his brother admitted to the hospital.

His brother was kept at a relative's house near to the hospital and received treatment.

Md Syed Abedin, medical officer of the health complex, said patients who come to this health complex for treatment do not feel safe. Those who are helpless and those whose condition is very bad are admitted to bed in trepidation.

There are no doctors' and staff quarters here, he added.

Dr Bipash Khisa, civil surgeon of Rangamati district, said the infrastructure at the Jurachhari Health Complex is actually very risky.

An accident can occur at any moment, he said.

 "I have written about this to the Ministry and the Department of Health. But there is no solution to it yet. However, the soil has already been tested by the Department of Health. Hope to get good news from the department soon."

Contacted, Suresh Kumar Chakma, chairman of Jurachhari Upazila, said it is very difficult to provide services to the patients at the hospital.

"I have already informed the matter to the higher authorities many times. I hope the government will take steps the next year", he added.