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The Sharsha Upazila Health Complex in Jashore is grappling with a severe shortage of doctors and various other problems. While there are supposed to be 22 doctors, only 5 are currently present at the hospital, although 7 are officially listed as responsible. Among the remaining, one is assigned to the Benapole immigration checkpoint, and another is working at the Jashore district civil surgeon's office.
In addition to the lack of surgical equipment, there are issues with cleanliness, water and electricity supply in the wards, and dirty, smelly bathrooms. Two operation theaters, worth nearly two crore taka, have been closed for an extended period.
Locals report that this health complex was established in 1962. It serves as the only government hospital for the health care needs of around four lakh people from the 11 unions, one municipality, and the Benapole land port. Although the hospital was upgraded from 31 to 50 beds on March 3, 2015, the quality of service has not improved, and there has been no increase in staff according to demand.
Sources reveal that while there are 22 positions for medical officers at the hospital, only 7 are officially listed, and only 5 are actually working. Out of a supposed 77 third-class staff positions, only 35 are filled, and among the 22 fourth-class positions, only 10 are occupied.
Every day, over 300 patients seek medical treatment at the hospital, with 35-40 being admitted. Due to the inability to provide treatment, most patients are referred to district hospitals for advanced care.
The hospital’s only X-ray machine is sometimes operational, but it often lacks film. Although there are two operation theaters, they remain unused for years due to a shortage of doctors. Despite having a pathology department, patients are sent to outside clinics for tests.
Jahanara Khatun, a resident of the upazila’s Lakshmipur village, said she was told by doctors in the emergency department to get several tests done outside. "We are poor people and cannot afford to pay for tests outside. Having equipment and doctors at the hospital would greatly help us," she expressed.
Shokina Khatun, who came to the hospital with her sick mother, stated, "I arrived at the hospital at 8 AM. It’s now 11:30 AM, and my patient has not been seen yet. We are not receiving the care we came here for."
Mofizur Rahman from Samlagachi village mentioned that he went to the Upazila Health Complex for stomach issues, but due to the absence of a specialist, a medical officer prescribed him medication, which did not improve his condition.
Sahidul Islam from Benapole shared that he sought treatment for a leg wound but had to go to Jashore General Hospital because there were no specialist doctors in the surgery department.
In response, Dr. Mahfuza Khatun, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, acknowledged that although the hospital was upgraded to 50 beds, the necessary staff has not been increased. There is a shortage of doctors and third- and fourth-class personnel. She emphasized that if the vacant positions are filled on an urgent basis, it would be possible to provide medical services effectively.
Messenger/Disha
