Anyone entering the Shalla Upazila Health Complex would hardly believe it is a government hospital. Instead, it appears more like a neglected garbage dump left unattended for a long time.
Piles of waste scattered across the hospital premises, along with overgrown weeds and vegetation, have led local residents to question who is actually responsible for maintaining the facility.
According to local residents, farmers affected by the recent floods had dried paddy and straw in front of the hospital. Much of that straw and debris has still not been removed. Accumulated waste in different areas of the hospital compound is producing a strong foul odor, forcing patients and their attendants to cover their noses and mouths while moving around.
The most alarming issue is the reported failure of all tube wells within the hospital premises. As a result, patients and their relatives are being forced to collect drinking water from outside the hospital.
Concerned citizens view such a shortage of safe drinking water at a healthcare facility as a serious example of mismanagement.
In addition, leftover food and various forms of waste are reportedly being dumped in different parts of the hospital, making the environment increasingly unhygienic. Such unsanitary conditions at a place meant for healing pose a significant public health risk.
Regarding the matter, Medical Officer Dr. Rajib Biswas said, “Patients often throw garbage from the upper floors. Even though we prohibit it, many do not listen. There are also some broken pieces of furniture that cannot be removed without instructions from the higher authorities.”
However, local residents question whether the hospital administration bears no responsibility, even if patients contribute to the littering. They argue that maintaining cleanliness, managing waste properly, and ensuring access to safe drinking water are fundamental duties of the hospital authorities.
Residents fear that unless immediate action is taken, Shalla Upazila Hospital could become a source of new illnesses rather than a place for treatment. They have called on the relevant authorities to intervene without delay.