Mismanagement and Negligence Plague Shantiganj Upazila Health Complex

The Shantiganj Upazila Health Complex in Sunamganj is facing severe allegations of mismanagement, doctor negligence, and corruption, leading to a breakdown in medical services for approximately 200,000 residents across eight unions. Central to the complaints is the alleged lack of supervision by the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO), Dr. Iqbal Hasan, and the denial of free medicines from the Patient Welfare Association fund.

The hospital, the sole reliable treatment centre for the area, is reportedly failing to deliver adequate service. At night, diploma medical assistants are treating patients instead of doctors. Serious patients are often quickly transferred to Sunamganj Sadar or Sylhet Osmani Hospital, depriving them of full local care. Dr. Iqbal Hasan, the UHFPO, is accused of frequent absenteeism, reportedly spending most of his time in Moulvibazar and Sylhet city. His office is allegedly kept open with the fan/AC running to suggest his presence, while staff claim he is "outside" or "in the field."

Patients, particularly the poor and destitute, are being denied financial aid and free medicines from the Patient Welfare Association fund (managed under the Upazila Social Service). Dr. Hasan is accused of turning away patients, claiming there is "no money" in the fund.

The Upazila Social Service Officer, Mosh. Tashlima Akhter Lima, contradicted this, stating the fund has sufficient money and provides assistance (medicine, transportation) based on UHC recommendations.

The hospital's pure water tube well was non-functional for 5-6 months. While a water filter was later installed using Patient Welfare Association funds (following media intervention), the UHFPO is accused of neglecting these issues by not utilizing funds from other hospital sources, such as income from selling fish from the hospital pond.

The daughter of a 70-year-old patient stated a senior doctor refused to cooperate regarding Patient Welfare Association medicine, claiming "no fund." She was ultimately assisted by the Upazila Social Service Officer, who provided ₹2,000 worth of medicine.

Regarding the medicine issue, Dr. Hasan stated the contract with the distributing pharmacy, which used the Patient Welfare Fund, has been terminated. He expects distribution to resume within 1-2 weeks once a new pharmacy is contracted. He promised action against doctors neglecting night duties.

The Sunamganj District Civil Surgeon stated that if complaints regarding the Social Service allowance are within the rules, there is "no reason not to give it." He assured that investigative measures and action will be taken against doctors and officials found negligent or irregular in their duties.