The new 250-bed District Hospital building in Narsingdi, Dhaka, Bangladesh, has not commenced operations due to a lack of staff and essential equipment, despite its completion four years ago. Consequently, the hospital continues to function from its old 100-bed infrastructure, leading to overcrowded conditions with about 1,200 patients seeking treatment daily. Patients face challenges like receiving treatment on floors and in corridors due to the shortage of beds, medical staff, and equipment.
The government initiated a project in 2019 to expand the hospital’s capacity to 250 beds to enhance healthcare services in the district. The construction of an eight-storey building, costing Tk 40.38 crore, was completed in 2022 by the Public Works Department. The new structure boasts modern healthcare amenities, including operating theatres, Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Special Care Unit, isolation wards, and expanded emergency services. However, operational challenges have prevented the utilization of these upgraded facilities.
Despite the advanced amenities, the new building remains unused due to manpower shortages and logistical issues. Patients express distress over prolonged waiting times and crowded conditions in the old building. Notably, Amena Khatun and Abu Hanif Mia highlighted the inconvenience caused by the delayed operationalization of the new facility. Efforts are underway to address staffing shortages and initiate services at the new building within the year, as mentioned by hospital authorities and officials involved in the project.
