A once-renowned British-era hospital in Chuadanga is now struggling with shortages of doctors, medicines and essential facilities, leaving patients from nearby areas and workers of Carew & Company facing difficulties in receiving treatment.
The Carew & Company Hospital in Darshana, established in 1938 by British citizen Robert Russell Carew, then owner of Carew & Company Sugar Mill, was built to provide healthcare services to the mill workers.
The hospital, once the only major healthcare centre in the area, is now in a poor state and requires renovation due to a lack of funds for purchasing medicines and other necessary medical supplies.
Local residents say the availability of proper medicines and healthcare equipment could have reduced the suffering of patients seeking treatment at the facility.
Although Carew & Company Limited occasionally allocates funds to supply medicines, the amount is insufficient compared with the hospital’s demand. As a result, patients are forced to buy most of their required medicines from outside pharmacies.
The hospital currently provides only a limited number of medicines, including paracetamol, calcium tablets, Histacin and oral rehydration salts (ORS).
Abdus Sabur, a resident of Darshana municipality, said patients continue to visit the hospital because of its good treatment services, even though they have to purchase medicines and other necessary items themselves.
“Many people return without receiving treatment because there are not enough doctors. The hospital’s healthcare services are continuing amid various problems and shortages,” he said.
Ritu Akter from Mobarak Para in Darshana, who came to the hospital for treatment, said she was born at the facility and recalled its past popularity among local residents.
She said the hospital was once the only healthcare centre in Darshana, with people coming there for treatment around the clock.
“The hospital is now facing shortages of doctors, medicines and other facilities. If Carew arranges doctors and medicines, the hospital will regain its previous reputation and attract patients again,” she said.
Dr Shahina Haider, medical officer of Darshana Carew & Company Hospital, said the facility was the first hospital established in the district.
“There was once a huge number of patients here, and the hospital had sufficient doctors, nurses and medicines. But now the number of patients has declined due to shortages of medicines and doctors,” she said.
Dr Haider said increasing manpower and resolving the medicine shortage could help the hospital regain its position as an important healthcare institution for local people.
