The long-awaited upgrade of Pirojpur Sadar Hospital from 100-bed to a 250-bed facility remains incomplete even after six and a half years, leaving patients to suffer.

Construction of the hospital's new nine-storey building began in August 2018 under the Public Works Department, with Banga Builders Ltd and Khan Builders (JV) tasked to finish the first eight floors within 18 months. However, delays due to the pandemic pushed back the deadline by a year, and the ninth floor was later added with World Bank funding.

Despite all nine floors being completed, the building remains non-operational as four lifts are yet to be installed. Substandard materials used during construction have also led to rusting in parts of the building, raising further concerns.

On paper, the hospital is upgraded to 250 beds, but it continues to function as a 100-bed facility on its old premises, leading to overcrowding and insufficient services. Patients from across Pirojpur and neighbouring districts face immense difficulties, with many forced to receive treatment on the floor due to the limited capacity.

"It's challenging to get proper treatment here," said Nasima Akter, who recently brought her child to the hospital.

Civil Surgeon Md Mizanur Rahman admitted that up to 150 patients are often crammed into the 100-bed facility.

Md Khairuzzaman, PWD's executive engineer in Pirojpur, said they are awaiting health ministry approval to procure lifts from Europe. Only after installation will the hospital's operations shift to the new building, he said.

He could not confirm when this process would be completed.