Dhaka, March 11 (NationPress) The newly constructed 250-bed District Hospital in Narsingdi, Dhaka, Bangladesh, remains non-operational due to a critical shortage of personnel and necessary equipment, as reported by local media outlets. Although the construction was completed four years ago, the facility has yet to commence operations.

The delay in activating this new infrastructure has compelled the district's primary government hospital to continue operating from its outdated premises, which were originally designed for just 100 beds.

This older facility is currently overwhelmed, accommodating approximately 1,200 patients daily for both outpatient and inpatient services, according to reports.

As a result of overcrowding, many patients are forced to receive treatment on the floors and in the corridors due to a critical lack of beds, doctors, nurses, medical supplies, and auxiliary staff.

In 2019, the government initiated a project to expand the hospital's capacity from 100 to 250 beds, aiming to enhance healthcare services within the district.

A leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, reported that the Public Works Department finished constructing the new eight-story building in 2022, with an expenditure of Tk 40.38 crore.

The new structure boasts modern healthcare amenities, including four state-of-the-art operating rooms, an Intensive Care Unit, a Coronary Care Unit, a Special Care Unit, isolation wards, and enhanced emergency services.

Despite these advancements, the facility remains unused due to staffing shortages and logistical barriers that hinder hospital management from initiating operations.

Patients at the hospital voice their frustration over the delays, enduring long wait times and congested conditions in the older building, as reported by The Daily Star.

Amena Khatun, 54, from Palash upazila, shared her experience: "I waited several hours before seeing a doctor in the outpatient department. I stood in line from 10:00 a.m. and only consulted a doctor around 2:00 p.m. The new building, equipped with better facilities, remains idle while we suffer in long queues," she said.

Another patient, Abu Hanif Mia, 48, from Raipura upazila, highlighted that the hospital often treats victims of road accidents due to its location along the busy Dhaka–Sylhet highway.

"If the ICU and emergency services in the new building were operational, many critically ill patients wouldn't need to be referred to Dhaka. This would save lives, time, and money for many," he stated.

Officials from the Public Works Department indicated that their responsibilities concluded after the building was completed and handed over. They have sent multiple reminders to hospital authorities to take possession of the new facility.

Hospital Superintendent Dr. ANM Mizanur Rahman explained that staffing a 250-bed facility with personnel meant for a 100-bed hospital is impractical.

"We have submitted numerous requests to the Directorate General of Health Services for additional staff. If necessary actions are taken, we could commence services this year," he said.

Dr. Syed Md Amirul Haque Shamim, the civil surgeon of Narsingdi, confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve the staffing issue to make the new building operational.

He added that initiatives are being taken to tackle the manpower crisis and initiate services at the facility within the current year.