Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent:
Bagerhat 250-Bed District Hospital has been operating without an eye specialist for nearly six years, leaving patients with eye-related complications dependent on private facilities or hospitals outside the district.
The hospital has two sanctioned posts for eye specialists, but both have remained vacant for years.
The shortage is significant because the district hospital is one of the major public healthcare facilities serving residents from all nine upazilas of Bagerhat. Hospital authorities say approximately 1,500 patients visit the facility every day for different medical services.
For patients requiring specialised eye care, however, the absence of a specialist means they often have to seek treatment elsewhere.
Patients requiring routine specialist consultation may turn to private eye hospitals and clinics in Bagerhat town. Those needing surgery or advanced diagnostic services frequently travel to Khulna or Gopalganj.
The additional cost of transportation, diagnostic tests and private treatment is particularly difficult for economically disadvantaged patients.
Paromita Mitra of Kachua said she had come to the government hospital expecting affordable treatment.
“Had there been an eye specialist here, I could have received treatment at this hospital. Now I have to go elsewhere, and my expenses are increasing,” she said.
A patient's relative, Surya, said specialist eye care should be available at the district hospital so that patients do not have to travel elsewhere.
A patient from Rampal said he had come to the government facility to reduce treatment costs but was forced to seek care outside because no specialist was available.
Wider Healthcare Staffing Crisis
The shortage of eye specialists is only one part of the hospital's broader manpower crisis.
Hospital sources said 86 doctor posts have been sanctioned at the facility, but only 32 doctors are currently employed. This means 54 doctor posts are vacant.
The hospital is also struggling with an unusually high number of admitted patients. Although it has 250 official beds, the number of admitted patients often rises to between 500 and 550.
The shortage of doctors, nurses and other staff is putting additional pressure on the existing workforce.
Under a government outsourcing programme that began in June 2024, 66 outsourced workers are currently working at the hospital through Galan, a contracting company. Hospital authorities say another 28 workers are required.
New Infrastructure, Old Staffing Problem
Work on the hospital's new building began in early 2024. While the expansion has increased infrastructure capacity, the hospital has yet to receive the full complement of doctors, nurses and other personnel required to operate at the expected level.
The staffing shortage becomes more challenging when patient numbers rise during outbreaks of diseases such as dengue.
Patients requiring advanced treatment are often referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital and other facilities outside Bagerhat.
Dr Asim Kumar Samaddar, superintendent of Bagerhat 250-Bed District Hospital, confirmed that both sanctioned eye specialist positions remain vacant.
“Both sanctioned posts for eye specialists are vacant. The matter has been communicated to the higher authorities,” he said.
He also confirmed the wider doctor shortage, saying that only 32 doctors are currently working against 86 sanctioned posts.
According to him, filling the vacant positions, including the two eye specialist posts, would significantly reduce patients' difficulties.
News Published By:
Bangladesh Diary
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