Sunamganj District Hospital Faces Severe Crisis Amid Patient Surge and Acute Staffing Shortage
Photo Collected
SUNAMGANJ — The 250-bed Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital is facing a severe healthcare crisis, struggling to accommodate nearly four times its capacity as a massive surge in patient admissions leaves wards, corridors, and floors overflowing. On Saturday, hospital records indicated 891 patients were admitted, far exceeding the facility’s intended capacity.
The pediatric ward, which has only 50 designated beds, bore the brunt of the crisis with 225 children admitted. Staff noted that the actual number of patients is likely higher, as the sheer volume of arrivals has made it impossible to register every child formally. Medical personnel are struggling to manage the influx while patients and their families endure stifling heat and cramped conditions.
According to hospital data, the patient load is distributed across various departments: 144 in the measles ward, 122 in the diarrhea ward, 153 in the women’s ward, 94 in the men’s ward, 62 in the maternity ward, and 101 in other units. Additionally, the outpatient department sees between 1,000 and 1,200 patients daily.
The crisis is exacerbated by a critical shortage of staff. Of the 74 sanctioned physician posts, only 23 are filled, leaving 51 vacancies. The situation is particularly acute among medical officers, with only 12 currently on duty out of a required 48. Furthermore, 70 of the 263 nursing positions remain vacant, and 88 of the 136 technical and support staff roles are unfilled.
Despite the dire lack of personnel, hospital officials confirmed that five doctors were recently transferred to the Sunamganj Medical College, which is not yet operational. The transfers followed student protests at the college. Hospital Superintendent Ahmad Hossain stated that the administration has repeatedly informed higher authorities regarding the critical staffing shortages. Resident Medical Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam added that further physician transfers are currently in process.
Patients and their families describe chaotic conditions. Many, unable to secure beds, are forced to sleep on floors or manage care from outside the facility. Parents reported difficulties in accessing doctors due to the overwhelming crowds, while nursing staff expressed distress over being unable to provide adequate care despite working beyond their capacity.
Kaniz Sultana, president of the Sunamganj chapter of the Conscious Citizens Committee, condemned the recent transfer of doctors as a regressive measure. She urged the government to prioritize the immediate recruitment of medical staff to ensure that residents in Sunamganj have access to basic health services.
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