Although modern equipment and beds are ready in at least six districts of Rajshahi division, about 60 ICU (intensive care unit) beds are practically idle due to manpower shortage. Due to the lack of skilled doctors and trained nurses, it has not been possible to start these ICUs for a long time, resulting in serious disruption of treatment for critical patients.

Since ICU services are closed at the district level, serious patients are being sent to the divisional city of Rajshahi. However, here too, an average of 40 patients are waiting for ICU every day due to the shortage of beds compared to the demand.

It is alleged that many of those waiting are facing death without receiving treatment.

The situation has become more complicated with the increase in measles, pneumonia and respiratory diseases, especially in children.

According to sources at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital, although a 43-bed ICU unit is operational here, it is not yet officially approved. Although there should be at least 10 specialist doctors as per the rules, there is currently only one. To cope with the manpower crisis, services are being run somehow with students and temporary workers.

Health sector stakeholders say that anesthesiologists or critical care specialist doctors and trained nurses are essential for running the ICU. But since these positions have not been appointed for a long time, the crisis is increasing day by day.

They have demanded the immediate recruitment of necessary manpower, strengthening training activities and making the existing infrastructure effective. Otherwise, the stakeholders have expressed fear that the situation could become even more dire.