(Staff Correspondent, Md Islam Uddin Talukder)

Despite an ongoing shortage of physicians, ChhatakUpazila Health Complex in Sunamganj continues to provide uninterrupted healthcare services while intensifying efforts to contain the nationwide measles outbreak.

According to hospital sources, a large number of patients seek treatment at the facility every day. Although the number of doctors is insufficient compared to the growing patient load, the hospital administration, along with its physicians, nurses, and healthcare staff, has been working tirelessly to ensure that medical services remain uninterrupted.

Doctors at the hospital are providing continuous treatment and close monitoring for measles patients, including children and people of different age groups, while simultaneously attending to patients suffering from other illnesses.

Dr. ShailendraBaishnab, Acting Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of ChhatakUpazila Health Complex, told reporters, “The number of doctors in our upazila is not adequate compared to the increasing number of patients. Even so, under the leadership of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Nusrat Afrin, we are performing our duties with the highest level of dedication and responsibility. Our primary goal is to ensure that every patient receives the best possible medical care.”

He added that extensive preventive measures have been undertaken to curb the spread of measles. Public awareness campaigns, loudspeaker announcements, immunisation drives, and community outreach programmes have been strengthened across unions and wards throughout the upazila. Health workers are also continuing field-level activities to deliver essential healthcare services directly to the community.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Nusrat Afrin said, “To me, no disease is small or insignificant. Every patient deserves equal attention and care. All medicines supplied under the government`s allocation are being provided to patients free of charge. I regularly instruct our doctors to remain present at their workplaces on time and serve patients with sincerity and professionalism.”

Speaking about the measles situation, she said, “Measles is a highly contagious disease affecting not only children but also people of different age groups. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment so that patients recover quickly. At the same time, we urge people to receive vaccines on schedule and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms.”

Hospital physicians also stated that despite the shortage of manpower, they remain committed to delivering quality healthcare without negligence. Although the nationwide shortage of doctors continues to pose challenges, every effort is being made to ensure that all patients visiting ChhatakUpazila Health Complex receive the best possible treatment.

Local residents expressed hope that the appointment of additional doctors and healthcare personnel would further enhance the quality of services at the health complex, enabling it to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community more effectively.