Rangamati hospital struggling without ICU, dialysis

Rashel Chakma of Kalindipur in Rangamati has been suffering from kidney disease for nearly two years and requires dialysis twice a week. His mother, Usha Chakma, said since Rangamati General Hospital has no dialysis facility, Rashel must travel to a private hospital in Chattogram for treatment.

"In his present condition, it takes a toll on him to travel to Chattogram twice a week for dialysis. It also costs around Tk 50,000 a month for his treatment. If the treatment was available here, it would have been more convenient and less expensive," she said.

Rashel's situation is not unique. Many critically ill patients from remote areas in Rangamati have to endure similar hardship as the hospital, established in 1984 to serve patients from 10 upazilas, still lacks specialised facilities including Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and dialysis services even after four decades.

In 2009, a five-storey CCU building was constructed at the hospital, but it has remained unused for 16 years. Since 2014, space inside the building has been temporarily used to run activities of Rangamati Medical College.

In 2019, the foundation stone for an 11-storey building was laid with plans to expand the number of beds and launch ICU, CCU and dialysis units. The health directorate and the public works department are responsible for implementing the project. However, only six floors have been constructed so far, and none could be made operational due to shortage of manpower and lack of equipment and furniture.

According to hospital sources, 200 to 250 patients are currently admitted to the 100-bed facility. Due to lack of space, many patients are treated on the floor. Additionally, around 1,000 to 1,200 people visit the hospital daily for outdoor consultations.

Dr Sawkat Akbar, resident doctor at the hospital, said ICU, CCU and dialysis services cannot be launched without required medical equipment, furniture and adequate manpower.

He said the hospital also has a shortage of staff, particularly in 3rd-4th grade posts, while four out of its 31 sanctioned doctor posts remain vacant.