Patients deprived of X-ray services for 18 years despite machines

Kamalnagar Upazila Health Complex is the only hope for healthcare for poor people living in the Meghna coastal region of Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar. However, X-ray services at the government hospital serving around four lakh people have remained closed for 18 years.
Two X-ray machines worth crores of taka have remained locked inside hospital rooms and are deteriorating due to a lack of technicians. As a result, poor patients are being deprived of essential diagnostic services and are forced to visit private clinics, incurring additional costs. Local residents have demanded the immediate appointment of technicians.
The health complex was established in 1974 at Karaitala. It was upgraded from 31 beds to 50 beds in 2015.
An analogue X-ray machine was installed in 2002. Its operation stopped in 2007, five years after installation, when the technician was transferred. Despite repeated requisitions, no replacement technician was appointed.
A digital X-ray machine was allocated to the health complex in late 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The machine was properly installed, but no technician was appointed to operate it. As a result, both the digital and old analogue machines have remained unused in locked rooms for years.
Mr. Didar and Mr. Abu Sayed said they came to the health complex after suffering fractures. Doctors advised them to undergo X-rays, but as the hospital’s machines were out of service, they had to go to private clinics and pay much more. “We are not getting the service even though the hospital has X-ray machines,” they said.
Mr. Syed Ahmad of Char Pagla said he was referred to the district hospital after suffering a chest injury because an X-ray was required. “Had the hospital provided X-ray services, I would not have faced such difficulties,” he said.
Kamalnagar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mahbubur Rahman said the machines are available but cannot be operated due to a lack of technicians. He said several letters have been sent to the higher authorities seeking the appointment of technicians.