A severe shortage of doctors and medicines has pushed healthcare services in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar Upazila to the brink, leaving thousands without proper treatment.
A field visit to the Upazila Health Complex, community clinics, and sub-health centres on the occasion of World Health Day found patient presence across facilities, but most centres lacked adequate medical staff.
In several cases, a single worker was handling treatment, medicine distribution, and administrative duties.
At Uthali Union Sub-Health Center and Andalbaria Community Clinic, only one staff member was found managing all responsibilities, making it difficult for patients to receive the expected level of care. Similar conditions were observed at Sahapur and Raipur community clinics.
“It is supposed to have one medical officer, one sub-assistant community medical officer, one pharmacist, and one MLSS, but I am doing everything alone, from treating patients to distributing medicines and running the centre,” said Uthali Union Health Center Assistant Community Medical Officer Mukta Khatun.
“A medical officer was appointed during the Covid-19 pandemic but was later transferred to the upazila health complex. I have been working here for 11 years, and I have to do everything on my own, even cleaning duties,” she added.
Locals said the prolonged shortage of doctors and inadequate supply of medicines have steadily deteriorated healthcare services, forcing patients to rely on private clinics or travel long distances for treatment, increasing their financial burden.
Officials of the upazila health department said higher authorities have been informed repeatedly about the crisis, but no effective measures have yet been taken.
Residents have called for urgent recruitment of doctors and ensured medicine supply to restore minimum healthcare services for the public.
