Health services disrupted at KMCH in absence of director, other doctors

Medical services at KMCH are on brink of collapse amid alleged forced resignation & absence of doctors citing ‘security concern’

Khulna, Sept 4 - Medical services at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) are on the brink of collapse amid alleged forced resignation and absence of doctors citing ‘security concern’, causing patients’ suffering.

The situation has worsened with the fleeing of the hospital's director, Dr. Gautam Kumar Pal, and the resignation of Deputy Director Dr. Md. Aktaruzzaman. Additionally, 41 doctors have been declared ‘unwanted’ at the institution, leading to a significant disruption in medical services.

About 50 doctors were found absent on Wednesday at both the outpatient department and other units. 

This mass absence has left patients, many of whom have traveled long distances, facing extreme inconvenience.

Kulsum Begum, who arrived the hospital from Bagerhat seeking treatment for a breast tumor only to find no doctors available, and Delowar Hossain and his son Fahim from Rupsha upazila of Khulna also reported the absence of physicians.

It has been found that Dr. Pritam Chakraborty, Dr. Himel Saha and several other key doctors of various departments were absent. The absent doctors have reportedly cited security concerns as their reason for not attending work.

Dr. Monjurul Murshed, Director of Health Services Division, Khulna, acknowledged the issue but noted that the hospital is not under direct jurisdiction of his office. He has discussed the matter with the divisional commissioner and informed the higher authorities.

The crisis at KMCH intensified after the resignation of Deputy Director Dr. Md. Aktaruzzaman, reportedly under pressure from a group of students who accused him of affiliations with the Awami League.

The controversy surrounding Dr. Aktaruzzaman's resignation included claims that he was coerced into resigning due to his perceived political ties, although Dr. Aktaruzzaman has denied these accusations.

Dr. Mustafa Kamal, head of the Cardiology Department, and over a hundred students were reportedly involved in the protest that led to Dr. Aktaruzzaman's resignation.

Dr. Aktaruzzaman defended himself, stating he has no political affiliations and has faced transfers and demotions under the Awami League government. He expressed disappointment at being forced to resign despite his efforts to contribute positively to the hospital.

Around 100 students of the medical college led by the head of the cardiology department Mustafa Kamal made a  list of 41 doctors who were involved in Awami League politics and declared them ‘unwanted’ on Tuesday.

Among the 41 doctors, there are deputy directors, assistant directors, RS, RMOs, registrars and doctors of all important posts.-UNB