Mizan Mohsin, Saidpur
Despite shortages of manpower and equipment, Saidpur 100-Bed Hospital has received top-level recognition for the quality of its healthcare services. But treating more than twice its sanctioned in-patient capacity remains a major challenge.
The hospital has 100 sanctioned beds, but the number of admitted patients often reaches 200 to 210. Around 1,500 patients visit its outpatient department every day on average. As a result, patients are sometimes treated outside designated wards, including corridors and verandas.
The shortage of doctors is particularly acute. Of the 57 sanctioned posts, only 19 are filled, leaving 38 vacant. More than two-thirds of the sanctioned doctor posts therefore remain unfilled, while the existing physicians have to handle a heavy patient load.
According to hospital sources, 28 staff members are working on an outsourced basis. However, manpower remains inadequate considering the volume of patients. Shortages of doctors, technical personnel and support staff are putting additional pressure on the existing workforce.
Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Md Nazmul Huda said, “The number of beds and manpower is inadequate compared with the patient load. Increasing manpower and equipment would further improve the quality of services.”
Diagnostic services are also limited. The hospital has one X-ray machine, one ultrasonography machine and one ECG machine. Tests are generally conducted from morning until 2pm, while night-time diagnostic services cannot be maintained due to a shortage of manpower. Two additional laboratory analysers and more laboratory technologists are needed to meet the demand.
The hospital also lacks specialists in several areas, including cardiology, urology, surgery, gynaecology, ENT, orthopaedics and radiology. The ophthalmology department requires modern equipment.
Emergency transport is another concern. The hospital has two ambulances, but both are reportedly almost out of service. It has only one driver, making emergency patient transfers difficult when required.
Food allocation is also based on the sanctioned capacity. Meals are provided for 100 patients, although the number of inpatients frequently exceeds 200.
Cleanliness is affected by the shortage of manpower. Each admitted patient is accompanied by an average of three attendants, increasing pressure on the hospital environment. Spitting betel quid in different parts of the premises also makes it harder to maintain cleanliness.
Security arrangements require further attention. Although the hospital has a boundary wall, the daily movement of large numbers of patients and attendants puts pressure on security. Hospital authorities say a dedicated vehicle garage and additional Ansar personnel are needed.
Despite these limitations, the hospital has performed well in several healthcare quality indicators. According to hospital authorities, it has received satisfactory assessments in food services, cleanliness, laboratory services, operations, NCPNC, normal delivery and child healthcare. These assessments have contributed to its recognition for high-quality healthcare services.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Md Asif Ferdous said, “There are shortages of manpower, equipment and cleaners. Ensuring adequate staff and modern equipment would enable us to provide better services to patients.” #EK