Health service in Jhalakati limps for doctor shortage

JHALAKATI, Apr 24 (UNB) : Medical service in the district is limping amid serious shortage of doctors. A total of 59 posts of doctors have been lying vacant in the district against 102 sanctioned posts. Now, there are 11 doctors against 23 posts in Sadar hospital, 11 doctors in Nalchhiti Upazila, six doctors in Rajapur Upazila, 10 doctors in Sadar Upazila health complex and one doctor in Kirtipasha hospital. There is only one doctor in civil surgeon office against the posts of four doctors. Besides, many of the doctors are on leave which has created crisis even in getting treatment at hospital outdoor. Visiting the Sadar Hospital Thursday the news agency found no doctor for giving treatment to the outdoor patients. Two medical assistants were seen giving treatment to the patients. Sources said 9000 to 10,000 patients, mostly poor, finding no other way out come to the hospital outdoor for medical help every month despite poor condition of the hospital service. The condition of medical service in upazila hospitals is also worse. Although few doctors are seen giving treatment to the outdoor patients at upazila health complexes the frequent visit of the representatives of various pharmaceutical companies eat up most of the time of the doctors, leaving many patients unattended.