Barisal rural health centres run without doctors

The number of vacant posts is 68 out of 117, according to official sources. These include 11 are in Bakerganj, 10 in Babuganj, seven in Uzirpur, seven in Gaurnadi, six in Banaripara, eight Agailjhara, four in Hizla and 9 in Mehendiganj upazilas.

As most of the sub-centers are in remote areas, doctors usually do not stay there and manage transfer through lobbying.

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On other hand, a good number of doctors posted at these centres manage to remain at the Civil Surgeon's office in the city.

Moreover, almost all the doctors posted at the health centers and sub-centers stay in the city for private practice, depriving the rural people of medicare services.

Out of the nine upazila health complexes, eight have 31 beds each, except the one at Agailijhara with 50 beds.

Local people in the eight upazilas have long been demanding that the number of beds at the health centres be raised to 50, but to no effect.

Allegations have it that the mismanagement in health centres at upazilas persists due to corruption by a section of officials at the Barisal Civil Surgeon's office.