Independent lawmaker elected from Brahmanbaria-2 Rumeen Farhana on Thursday painted a grim picture of the healthcare system in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila, describing the local 50-bed hospital as being like a patient itself.
She made the remarks in Parliament while discussing an amendment to a proposal for establishing a 200-bed hospital in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj.
Highlighting the plight of approximately 350,000 residents across nine unions in Sarail, Rumeen Farhana emphasised that the lone 50-bed facility is struggling with a massive shortage of manpower, medicines, and modern equipment.
According to the data presented by the MP, a total of 64 posts are currently vacant at the hospital. This includes nine for physicians and consultants, six for nurses, two for medical technologists, 15 for field staff, eight for health assistants, and 19 for other staff members.
The MP further informed the House that an initiative to modernise the hospital’s infrastructure is currently in limbo. While a plan was adopted to construct a six-storey building at a cost of Tk 10 crore, the project hit a dead end.
The contractor fled after August 5, 2024, she said, adding that medical services are being forced to continue within the confines of the old, dilapidated two-storey building.
The discussion arose during a proposal placed by Azharul Islam Mannan (Narayanganj-3) for a new 200-bed hospital in Siddhirganj.
Several other MPs joined the debate, highlighting similar healthcare crises and demanding an increase in beds at hospitals in their respective constituencies.
In response, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain noted that the 300-bed General Hospital near Siddhirganj is already being upgraded to a 500-bed facility, and the Victoria General Hospital is also nearby.
He assured that the government might consider new hospitals in the future if necessary.
Following the minister’s explanation, Mannan expressed his intent to withdraw the proposal.
The proposal for the 200-bed hospital in Siddhirganj was subsequently withdrawn via voice vote with the Speaker's permission.
FP/MI
First in Bangladesh: One Tap for Help— ‘Survivor’s Path’ SOS App
Nepal panel to probe property, assets of politicians and officials
PM presents Independence Award 2026 to 15 individuals, 5 institutions
Hospital itself is a patient, Rumeen Farhana slams Sarail healthcare crisis in JS
Steps taken to withdraw political harassment cases: Law minister 
Bellal Bin Quashem rejoins Islamic Foundation as Public Relations Officer
Dhaka gears up for a musical Pahela Baishakh with concerts
Only state-owned refinery 'shuts down'
Formation of the New Executive Board of the Bangladesh Physical Society
No specific threat ahead of Pahela Baishakh: RAB
