Barguna Correspondent

 Public healthcare services across Barguna have collapsed into severe operational stagnation due to an acute shortage of medical practitioners and chronic unauthorized absenteeism.

Statistics reveal that out of 293 sanctioned doctor posts across various public hospitals in the coastal district, only 77 physicians are currently deployed. A total of 216 positions remain vacant, nearly triple the number of currently active doctors. Furthermore, at least 14 doctors assigned to the district have been absent from their designated stations for extended periods without official authorization.

Several doctors have cited personal reasons or inadequate facilities for failing to report to their duties. Dr. Md. Mashfiqur Rahman, Junior Consultant at Patharghata Upazila Health Complex, has been absent since July 2022, eventually submitting a resignation letter citing lack of operating theater facilities and family matters. Dr. Utpal Nag of Amtali Upazila Health Complex failed to return after his leave expired, while Dr. Md. Mozammel of Taltali Upazila Health Complex remains absent without authorization, expressing unwillingness to serve outside Dhaka.

Departmental cases and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against several physicians for unauthorized absence. These include Dr. Sigma Walid and Pathologist Dr. Sayanta Ghosh from Betagi Upazila, Dr. S.M. Sadikur Rahman from Bamna Upazila, Dr. Faizur Rahman from Amtali Upazila, and Dr. Md. Rubaiyat Ali from Patharghata Upazila. Additionally, legal notices and administrative procedures are ongoing against Assistant Professor of Cardiology Dr. Md. Masudur Rahman, as well as transferred Assistant Surgeons Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan and Dr. Golam Ahmed Fahim at the Barguna 250-Bed General Hospital.

Civil society platform Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), Barguna district branch, alleged that an influential syndicate enables newly posted doctors to secure transfers to preferable locations or evade local duty without consequence.

Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Abul Fattah stated that there is no scope for doctors to remain absent without official leave following assignment, adding that departmental lawsuits have been filed and higher authorities are preparing stricter disciplinary measures against the delinquent officers.