Treatment at Rajapur Upazila Health Complex under the district is badly hampered as water supply has remained suspended since the pump machine there went inoperative on Monday.

Eight to ten surgical operations are daily performed at the health complex meant for two lakh people of the upazila, said Abul Khayer Mahmud Russell, resident medical officer (RMO) of the treatment centre.

"Now around 50 patients, including several pregnant women, are staying here but treatment is badly hampered due to water crisis. We are still unsure about when the water supply will resume," he said.

Many patients get water brought by their attendants from outside.

"Carrying water from outside is very tiresome. The amount of water I can bring is hardly enough to meet the patient's need," said Rafique, attendant of a patient.

Those who have no attendants are facing a horrible situation.

"I am suffering a lot for want of water as I have no attendant here. Now I am thinking of leaving the hospital without treatment," said Nargis Akter, an admitted patient.

Several other patients are also in the same boat.

"We have sent the water pump to Dhaka for repair. We sent a request to the Public Health Engineering Department for arranging water supply on an urgent basis but to no effect. The medical service here will stop if the situation continues," said RMO Mahmud Russell.

Dr Abdur Rahim, the civil surgeon of Jhalakathi, expressed hope that the problem will be solved soon.