Severe shortages of doctors and essential staff have left Pabna’s only specialised chest disease hospital struggling to provide proper medical care causing immense suffering to patients.
The hospital, popularly known as TB hospital, was established in 1962 in the Shalgaria area of Pabna town, the 20-bed Pabna Chest Disease Hospital receives around 100 patients daily.
However, only two doctors are appointed against five spots. Most other positions, including nurses, ward assistants and cleaning staff, remain vacant, with up to two-thirds of the workforce missing.
Due to the absence of technicians, X-ray, ultrasonography and ECG machines at the hospital remain unused. Aside from sputum tests, no pathological diagnostics are available, forcing patients to seek services outside at additional cost and delay.
Mamun Hossain, a patient from Maligachha in Pabna Sadar, said, “I came at nine in the morning and it’s already eleven, but no doctor has arrived yet. We want more doctors here so people can receive proper treatment.”
Salma Khatun, a housewife who travelled from Chatmohar with her children, echoed the frustration.
“We have been waiting a long time. In this heat, it is very difficult to wait with children. There are too few doctors, so it takes too long to see one,” she said.
Elderly patient Anwar Hossain said most tests have to be done outside.
“If tests were done here, it would save time and money. Poor people would benefit, but we are being deprived.”
Nurses also reported feeling unsafe on duty. Several, requesting anonymity, said, “Outsiders gather in the hospital premises, especially on the rooftop, at night. They consume drugs and hang around, which makes us feel very insecure.”
Junior consultant Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman said, “Only two doctors are working against five posts, and even they need leave due to illness at times. Other departments are also facing manpower shortages. We have repeatedly written to higher authorities, but no action has been taken.”
Pabna Civil Surgeon Dr Abul Kalam Azad acknowledged the issue, saying, “There is a shortage of doctors in many places. However, the government has taken initiatives to recruit skilled manpower, which should solve the problem. Steps are also being taken to activate the testing equipment.”
