ICU shut for 5 months in Patuakhali

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Patuakhali 250-bed General Hospital has remained closed for the last five months after it was vandalised on April 14, leaving critically ill patients without life-saving services.

Since then, patients in critical condition have been forced to travel to Barishal or Dhaka, often at great risk. In some cases, delays in treatment have led to deaths, relatives alleged.

Hospital authorities said the five-bed ICU was set up in February 2021 during the pandemic with support from the health ministry. It was the only ICU facility in the district and had treated more than 500 patients in the last five years.

The closure followed the death of Hossain Mohammad Ashiq, 21, a student of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). Ashiq drowned while bathing in a pond near Government Janata College after playing football with friends. He was first taken to Dumki Upazila Health Complex and later to Patuakhali Hospital, where he died during treatment.

Accusing doctors of negligence, enraged students vandalised the ICU. Police and army personnel rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

Following the incident, then deputy commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arifin formed an eight-member probe committee headed by Civil Surgeon Dr Khaledur Rahman Miah. The committee later submitted its report to the DC.

However, ICU services never resumed.

"I raised the issue at the district coordination meeting. Critically ill patients used to get emergency services here. Now they must take the risk of going to Barishal or Dhaka. We demand immediate resumption of ICU services," said Zakir Hossain, president of Patuakhali Press Club.

Dr Dilruba Yasmin Liza, superintendent of the hospital, said most of the sensitive and expensive equipment inside the ICU was damaged during the vandalism.

"We used to provide emergency care for patients whose condition deteriorated suddenly. But due to the damage, specialised ICU services are no longer available. The unit is now being used as a general ward," she said.

Asked about the probe committee's findings, Civil Surgeon Dr Khaledur Rahman Miah said, "We submitted the report to the then deputy commissioner. It is up to the DC to disclose or act upon it."

Contacted, Jewel Rana, deputy director of the Local Government Department and acting DC of Patuakhali, said, "The report has been sent to the health ministry for further action. I cannot share the details."