Staff Reporter:
Healthcare services at the 100-bed Saidpur Hospital in Nilphamari have long been hampered by an acute shortage of doctors, staff and beds, causing suffering for patients.
Established in 1962 with 17 beds, the hospital was later upgraded to 50 beds and expanded to a 100-bed facility in 2013. However, locals said the quality of services has not improved despite the expansion. The hospital is the only government healthcare facility serving nearly two million people in Saidpur upazila and surrounding areas.
Hospital sources said only 18 doctors are currently working against 40 sanctioned posts. Of the 11 approved senior consultant positions, just one is filled, while five junior consultants are serving against 10 posts.
There is also a severe shortage of nurses and technologists. The hospital is struggling to handle a heavy patient load, with daily outpatient services drawing thousands and inpatient wards operating at nearly double capacity.
Patients alleged that the shortage of doctors is disrupting treatment. They also complained that many essential diagnostic tests are unavailable, forcing them to seek services at private centres at higher costs.
Resident Medical Officer Nazmul Huda said some equipment remains out of order. “A repair request has been sent to resume X-ray and pathology services. We hope these will be functional soon,” he added.
