A 10-bed kidney dialysis centre at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital remains non-operational, despite its construction being completed in June 2024. The centre's delayed opening has forced local kidney patients to travel out of the district for treatment, causing immense financial strain.

The facility is part of a Tk 300 crore project launched in January 2020, aiming to establish dialysis centres in 40 hospitals across the country.

In Patuakhali, the Public Works Department issued a work order in June 2023 for the centre's construction at a cost of Tk 17.16 lakh. Eventually, the building was completed a year later.

However, a fully functional dialysis centre requires more than just doors and windows. From beds to essential equipment such as dialysis machines, water treatment systems, and monitoring devices, all have yet to arrive.

Besides, only six technicians were hired in August 2023, against a need for at least 16.

The recruited technicians are currently working in other hospital departments.

The delay has been particularly difficult for families like that of Suman Halder, whose son has required dialysis since birth. "We've been travelling to Barishal weekly for dialysis and eventually sought treatment in India, costing us Tk 14 lakh. A local dialysis centre would have eased our suffering and saved us from this financial burden," he said.

Dr Ratan Das, project director, acknowledged the delays and said the recruitment of additional staff and procurement of equipment for the first phase of centres are underway.

The hope is to have the Patuakhali centre operational by April or May 2025, but for now, local patients continue to suffer.