Health services at the Rajnagar Upazila Health Complex in Moulvibazar are being disrupted due to a prolonged shortage of doctors and other staff.

The 31-bed facility, which serves more than 2.5 lakh people in the upazila, has long struggled to provide basic care amid vacancies in key posts, out-of-order equipment and inadequate cleaning services.

Established in 1985, the health complex was later upgraded to a 31-bed facility, but its infrastructure and staffing have not kept pace with the growing number of patients.

At present, the hospital has only four doctors against 10 approved posts. The six vacant posts include those for junior consultants and specialists in medicine and surgery. There is no anaesthesiologist, forcing doctors from other facilities to attend on assignment.

The hospital's only X-ray machine has been out of order for a long time, pushing patients to private facilities where the service is costlier.

Of the three ambulances assigned to the complex, only one is operational, hampering emergency transportation.

With four of the five cleaners' posts vacant, maintaining cleanliness has become increasingly difficult.

"My wife has been ill for several days, but we had to return without any service a number of times as there was no doctor. When we finally found one, he said the X-ray service was unavailable. We had to go to a private clinic and pay extra," said Sukhon Roy, a local resident.

"We come here for free treatment, but nothing works here, not even basic tests," said Shahana Begum, an attendant. Several others shared similar frustrations.

Shelly Akhter, a senior nurse, said, "Amid the acute shortage of doctors and staff, we have to serve a huge number of patients daily. Five nurses have recently been transferred elsewhere, making matters worse."

Dr Utpal Das, resident medical officer, said, "The outpatient department serves around 450 patients daily. At least 14 more doctors are needed for the hospital to function properly."

Moulvibazar Civil Surgeon Dr Md Mamunur Rahman said he has informed higher authorities about the situation.

"We are hopeful that new appointments and repairs will be made soon to improve services at the hospital," he said.