A 250-bed government hospital in Kurigram is facing allegations of staff mismanagement, with outsourced workers assigned to basic support roles performing administrative duties instead, raising concerns over service quality and accountability.
The claims centre on Kurigram General Hospital, where aides and ward boys recruited through outsourcing are reportedly not carrying out their designated responsibilities, according to local sources and on-site observations.
Officials and sector insiders say the practice is leading to both inefficient use of manpower and a decline in patient care, as essential cleaning and support services are left unattended.
Records show that Nusrat Jahan and Mousumi Begum were appointed on a part-time basis as aides in January 2026, with responsibilities including maintaining cleanliness and assisting patients.
However, Nusrat Jahan has been working in the gynaecology department distributing tickets, while Mousumi Begum has been assigned to data entry duties in the paediatric ward on the fifth floor of the hospital’s new building.
Similarly, Shahriya Islam Siam and Abu Talha, recruited as ward boys under outsourcing arrangements, are reportedly performing administrative functions in Room 207, using government computers—tasks typically reserved for permanent staff.
A recent visit found Siam engaged in office work, while Talha was operating as a computer operator in the same room.
At the hospital’s fourth-floor paediatric ward, Mousumi Begum was seen entering data, while Nusrat Jahan was distributing tickets to pregnant women at the ANC/PNC corner on the ground floor.
Contacted for comment, Siam said he was busy and would respond later.
Repeated attempts to reach Abu Talha and Nusrat Jahan by phone were unsuccessful.
Mousumi Begum declined to comment and disconnected the call after hearing the questions.
Acknowledging the situation, Kurigram General Hospital Superintendent Nur Newaz Ahmed said the hospital was facing a shortage of staff and had to reassign workers based on necessity.
“We are working under multiple constraints. Some positions have been vacated, and we have allowed skilled workers to handle administrative tasks so that operations do not stall,” he said.
He denied any preferential treatment, adding that no additional benefits were being provided to those reassigned.
Kurigram-2 constituency lawmaker Atiqur Rahman Mujahid said employees must perform duties according to their designated posts.
“If anyone is found working outside their assigned role, action will be taken in accordance with the rules,” he said.
