Overcrowding, Mismanagement Strain DMC Hospital

Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH)

The hospital is operating at nearly double its intended capacity, with patient numbers soaring beyond its infrastructure’s capabilities. As a result, crucial issues such as inadequate services, unsanitary conditions, and insufficient staff are creating a dire situation for both patients and their families.

Upon entering the facility, visitors are immediately confronted with overcrowded waiting areas, poor sanitation, and a lack of basic amenities like food and proper staffing. Patients are often seen lying on the floors of crowded corridors and wards, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

A Strain on Patient Care
Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, the hospital’s director, has acknowledged the growing concerns and promised to tackle these issues, but progress remains slow.

One case highlights the alarming delays and challenges patients face. Alal Uddin, who sustained a head injury in an accident in Mymensingh, has been waiting for a bed since October 4. His brother, Jalal Uddin, expressed frustration, saying, "Nurses are often unavailable, and it's difficult to reach a doctor when needed."

Another patient, 24-year-old Jahid Hasan, admitted on October 2, experienced similar difficulties. His father, a CNG driver from Khilgaon, shared his dismay: "A prescribed injection hasn't been given yet because it’s out of stock, even though it's listed in the hospital pharmacy." Due to shortages, many families are forced to purchase medicines from external pharmacies.

Unsanitary Conditions and Health Risks
Hygiene issues are another growing concern. Staff struggle to maintain cleanliness in the hospital’s overcrowded wards, with toilets often misused and left in poor condition. The director pointed out that each toilet is shared by up to ten patients, making proper sanitation a constant challenge. A recent visit to the hospital’s kitchen revealed more troubling issues, such as waste accumulation near cooking areas and uncovered rice, raising serious health concerns.

Understaffing and Financial Strain
The hospital is also dealing with a significant staffing shortage, particularly among lower-level workers. The director noted, "Without increasing personnel, we cannot expect the situation to improve."

Moreover, the daily food budget of Tk 150 per patient is insufficient, with the director suggesting an increase to Tk 200 to improve meal quality. However, the financial constraints and inefficiencies in resource allocation persist, further hindering efforts to improve patient care.

Corruption Allegations Add to the Strain
In addition to operational challenges, some patients and their families have reported being asked to pay bribes for basic services, such as wheelchair assistance. A ward aide, speaking anonymously, explained, "If patients offer us something, it helps cover our own expenses."

While the director has acknowledged these allegations and dismissed those involved in such practices, he admitted that eradicating corruption entirely remains a challenge.

Calls for Reform and Systemic Change
Experts are calling for broader reforms to improve the healthcare system in Bangladesh. These include stricter regulations for private clinics, decentralizing recruitment for healthcare professionals, and addressing the country’s unregulated pharmacies. They also point to the inequitable doctor-patient ratio and the high out-of-pocket costs that burden patients as major issues that need urgent attention.

A Legacy Strained by Demand
Founded in 1946, Dhaka Medical College has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Despite expansions, including the opening of a new complex in 2013, the hospital continues to struggle with demand far exceeding capacity. With 39 public and 68 private medical colleges across the country, the healthcare system still faces immense pressure to meet the needs of its growing population.

Experts stress that improving patient care goes beyond just medical treatment. Hospitals must ensure patient safety, privacy, and satisfaction, alongside high-quality medical services. Continuous monitoring and improvement of hospital processes are essential to meeting these standards and addressing the systemic challenges facing the country’s healthcare sector.