No inpatient service for 12yrs

Over a decade into construction of Indurkani Upazila Health Complex, the inpatient service at the hospital is yet to start providing health facilities, causing immense sufferings to treatment seekers. 

In 2002, Indurkani, previous name Zianagar, upazila was formed with five unions of Pirojpur Sadar. Indurkani was renamed Zianagar during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government in 2002.

Most residents of Indurkani upazila situated on the banks of the Kacha and Baleshwar rivers are low-income people. They mainly depend on catching fish.

In 2008, the 30-bed hospital was constructed with only outpatient service but for some unknown reasons, the inpatient service is yet to commence, said locals, adding that as a result, critical patients have to face immense sufferings while going to different hospitals in Pirojpur, Barishal and Khulna for treatment.

As the building has been lying unused for years, its mostly windows and doors are broken and plasters on the walls fell off at many places, said villagers, adding that even the ultrasonography machine lies inoperative for long.

Mahmuda Akter, a resident in the upazila, said mostly people in the area are very poor and it becomes difficult for them to go to Pirojpur or other places for treatment when they face any serious disease.

They have to leave the hospital after taking emergency treatment, said Mahmuda.

Another resident Kamal Hossain of the upazila said as there is no indoor service at the health complex, they have to spend more money to take treatment at hospitals in distant areas.

The situation becomes worse at night, he said.

 At least 30 patients come to the outdoor every day, said Parvin Begum, an employee of the health complex.

M Matiur Rahman, chairman of the upazila parishad, said he has already informed the authorities concerned about the sufferings of patients.

Shakil Ahmed, resident medical officer (in-charge) of the health complex, said there is no supply of water at the hospital.

The hospital is being upgraded to 50 beds, said the resident medical officer (RMO).

Apart from this, renovation work of the health complex is going on, said the RMO, adding that after completion of the work, all problem will be resolved.

Rasel Kabir, sub-assistant engineer of health engineering department in Pirojpur, said the upgradation work of the hospital will be completed at the end of March this year.

Six among ten posts of doctors are vacant at the health complex. Besides, all the 18 posts of nurses remain vacant.