Government hospitals in Bogura have been facing a prolonged shortage of doctors, nurses and support staff, leaving the district health department struggling to cope with growing pressure of patients. The number of patients at upazila health complexes across district has increased several times, with crowds filling hospital beds, floors and verandas. As a result, a large section of population is being deprived of the healthcare services they need. Despite repeated demands, shortage of doctors has yet to be resolved. A medical officer has allegedly fled his workplace, while services at sub-health centres are also being disrupted due to manpower shortages. Meanwhile, the bed capacity of several hospitals has been upgraded on paper, and government has taken steps to expand and modernise healthcare services.

According to health department sources, although permission has been granted to launch services with the increased bed capacity, existing manpower crisis remains unresolved. shortage of adequate staff has made it increasingly difficult to cope with growing number of patients. Despite the limited number of doctors and nurses, healthcare workers are trying to provide services to patients to the best of their ability.

Manpower shortages exist in almost every sector of upazila health complexes. Officials said the scope and quality of healthcare services could be further expanded if the staffing crisis is addressed. Meanwhile, updated, upazila-wise manpower requirements have already been submitted to higher authorities.

According to a report from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, 1,820 employees are currently working against 2,787 sanctioned posts, leaving a total shortage of 967 personnel across different positions, including doctors and nurses. Of the 483 sanctioned posts for doctors, 242 are currently filled, leaving 241 vacant. Among the five sanctioned first-class posts, excluding doctors, only one is occupied, while four remain vacant. In the nursing services and midwifery category, 432 of 443 sanctioned posts are filled, leaving 11 vacant. 1,516 sanctioned third-class posts, 1,062 are currently occupied and 454 remain vacant. Meanwhile, of 340 sanctioned fourth-class posts, only 83 are filled, leaving 256 vacant. The acute manpower shortage is making it increasingly difficult for government health facilities to provide services in outpatient departments, emergency units and inpatient wards, particularly amid the growing number of patients.

Health department said the shortage of doctors has emerged as biggest challenge facing government hospitals in Bogura. Adam­dighi Upazila Health Complex, only 15 doctors are working against 39 sanctioned posts. Santahar 20-bed Hospital has two doctors against six sanctioned posts, while Dupchanchia Upazila Health Complex has 22 against 42. Shibganj Upazila Health Complex, 21 doctors are working against 39 sanctioned posts, Aliarhat 20-bed Hospital has only two doctors against seven sanctioned posts. Gabtali Upazila Health Complex, 20 doctors are working against 42 sanctioned posts. In Sonatala, 21 of the 37 sanctioned doctor posts are vacant. Sariakandi, only 19 doctors are working against 44 sanctioned posts. There is a shortage of 24 doctors in Dhunat, Sherpur 19, and Shajahanpur 21. Nandigram Upazila Health Complex in Bijrul, 19 doctors are working against 27 sanctioned posts, leaving eight vacant. The facility also has 30 vacant third-class posts and 23 vacant fourth-class posts. Nandigram 20-bed Hospital, only two doctors are working against six sanctioned posts. Health department also reported 20 vacant doctor posts in Kahaloo, three in Bogura Sadar, one at TB Hospital, one at TB Clinic and three at Civil Surgeon’s Office. Officials said doctors have been posted to all the health facilities, but some are currently working elsewhere on deputation. The shortage of nurses and support staff is even more acute, they added.

Nandigram Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Iqbal Mahmud Liton said at least 98 patients are admitted to the hospital every day for treatment. He said several doctors have been transferred amid the ongoing manpower shortage, while some are on leave and others remain absent from duty. One doctor is currently working in Dhaka, he added. Regarding Medical Officer Dr Kashmeri Afrin, Dr Liton said she has allegedly been absent from workplace for a prolonged period without taking leave, and her whereabouts remain unknown. He also said the surgeon, anaesthesiologist and gynaecology specialist of 20-bed hospital are currently working at other hospitals on deputation.

Bogura Acting Civil Surgeon Dr Farzanul Islam said the health department is trying to provide best possible treatment to patients with limited number of doctors and nurses available. The manpower shortage has been brought to the attention of higher authorities. We have submitted a demand statement, but no solution has been found yet. He said the quality of healthcare services could be improved if necessary manpower and equipment are provided alongside the expansion of hospital bed capacity.