Patuakhali General Hospital
Sludge, stink all over due to cracks in sanitation pipes
PICTURE TELLS THE TALE: Dirty stagnant water mixed with human wastes just beside the Male Surgery Ward of Patuakhali General Hospital makes the environment woefully nasty, thanks to the indiffernce of authorities concerned. Photo: STAR
Sanitation system in the 250-bed Patuakhali General Hospital has virtually collapsed as most of the sanitation pipes developed cracks during the last one year. Human wastes and dirty water coming out from the damaged parts of the pipes spread all around, making the hospital environment repulsive to the patients and visitors. The extension building comprising the Labour Ward and the Male Surgery Ward see the most horrible condition. "The woefully dirty atmosphere of the hospital is bad enough to make the patients' condition worse still. Human wastes from the damaged pipes mixes with the stagnant water on the open place beside the Male Surgery Ward and the stink can be felt from the entire hospital campus," said Fakhrul Islam, a visitor to the hospital. "The hospital environment is just the opposite of one's expectation. Visitors find it difficult to stay here even for a short time in such an unhygienic atmosphere. Just imagine the condition of a large number of patients who have to stay for days or weeks for treatment," said Md Shamimul Islam, another visitor. Dr Reza Md Zaman, acting superintendent of the hospital, said they sent several letters to the Public Works Department (PWD) to repair the damaged sanitation pipes but to no effect. When contacted, Kamrul Islam, sub divisional engineer of PWD, said, "We could not repair the pipes due to lack of fund. Earlier this year we sent a Tk 38 lakh project proposal to the higher authorities concerned but no fund has been allocated till now. We hope to do the work by June next year if necessary funds are allocated."
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