Four years after its inauguration, the formerly known Elias Ahmed Chowdhury Trauma Centre in Shibchar of Madaripur remains non-functional, leaving accident victims on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway without access to immediate specialised treatment.
The now 20-bed Trauma Centre, built at a cost of Tk12 crore beside the expressway in Sannyasirchar area, was inaugurated on 8 November 2022 by then Health Minister Zahid Maleque after completion of construction and installation of equipment, including air conditioning.
However, no medical service has started at the centre as no manpower has been appointed and even posts have not been created. The abandoned facility has since fallen into disrepair, with locals alleging that its equipment and fittings have been stolen.
The trauma centre was built to provide quick treatment to victims of road accidents on the busy expressway connecting Dhaka and Bhanga, where traffic increased significantly after the opening of the Padma Bridge.
According to health officials, a proposal was submitted to create 34 posts, including seven consultant doctors, three orthopaedic surgeons, two anaesthetists, two resident medical officers, 10 nurses, pharmacists, radiographers and technicians. The proposal, however, has not been approved.
With no security arrangements, thieves have removed water and electrical lines, doors, windows, taps, basins and other essential items from the building over the past four years.
Locals said the abandoned centre has become a gathering place for drug users and criminals after dark. The surrounding area has also been covered by weeds, while nearby residents now use parts of the premises for drying jute sticks.
The delay in opening the centre has frustrated commuters and locals, as accidents frequently occur on the expressway. Injured passengers are usually taken to Shibchar Upazila Health Complex, Faridpur Medical College Hospital or Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Locals said many critically injured patients die on the way due to delays in receiving treatment and the lack of modern facilities.
“After the bus accident in Kutubpur of Shibchar on 19 March 2023 that killed 19 people, many injured passengers had to be taken to Dhaka after initial treatment at the upazila health complex. Two died on the way,” said local resident Mohammad Hasanat.
Chandra Paribahan supervisor Mamun-or-Rashid said the trauma centre was urgently needed but questioned why it had remained closed for so long.
Madaripur Civil Surgeon Mohammad Shariful Abedin Kamal said the centre could not be opened due to the absence of manpower.
“We have repeatedly requested the creation of posts. The previous government did not take steps. We have again sent a proposal to the current government,” he said.
He added that extensive repairs were now required as electrical and water lines, doors, windows and other facilities had been damaged or stolen.
“The building is no longer suitable for use. The Health Engineering Department has inspected it and informed us that major repair work is needed,” he said.
