CU Medical Centre

The shabby state of affairs and the lack of proper facilities at the Chittagong University Medical Centre (CUMC) have shocked us. We find it unbelievable that there are only seven doctors to cater to the medical needs of over 22,000 students. Even more egregious perhaps is the absence of equipment for tests and other diagnostic procedures. It is indeed bereft of any logic that the medical centre of a residential university will only be armed with a few thermometers, a blood pressure measuring device and two oxygen support machines. 

The problem is all the more pronounced for Chittagong University, which is in a rural area and is one and a half hours drive away from the Chittagong Medical College Hospital, the nearest medical facility. The Chittagong University (CU) is sprawled over an area of 7.10 miles. Two operational ambulances are certainly not adequate for the evacuation of sick students from their dormitories to the centre, let alone taking them to the CMCH.   

We strongly believe that it is incumbent upon the CU authorities to oversee the wellbeing of its students. In this regard, we urge them to take immediate steps to set up a properly equipped and functional medical centre at the university. It is also necessary to strengthen the operational ability of the institution by hiring more full time doctors and nurses. Presently the centre is a one-room facility. It should have a ward and a few cabins to prepare for any medical emergency and other contingencies.