A 12-storey building at Barishal General Hospital, to be built at a cost of Tk23 crore to ease bed shortages and improve care, remains incomplete despite the construction deadline passing more than a year ago.
The project, launched in 2022 to upgrade the century-old hospital to a 250-bed facility, was scheduled for completion within 18 months. However, work slowed due to financial complications and the building is yet to be handed over.
Barishal General Hospital began its journey in 1912 with 20 beds. It was later upgraded to 80 beds in the 1990s and subsequently to 100 beds, including a 20-bed diarrhoea ward.
The original structures are now considered risky, yet services continue from two ageing buildings, with outpatient care in one and emergency services in another. A tin-shed structure houses a 12-bed diarrhoea ward and a women’s medicine ward. During peak periods, patients reportedly struggle to find space, even on floors.
Barishal General Hospital Resident Medical Officer Maloy Krishna Baral said the hospital currently operates eight wards, treating 130 to 150 inpatients daily, while 600 to 700 patients receive care at the outpatient department each day.
“Space constraints are a serious problem. Once the new building becomes operational, patients across southern Bangladesh will benefit. At present, we cannot accommodate all patients properly,” he said.
The Public Works Department (PWD) acknowledged delays, citing funding issues that temporarily halted construction. Officials said an additional Tk3 crore had recently been allocated and work had resumed.
Barishal Public Works Department Executive Engineer Md Faisal Alam said around 70 per cent of the construction had been completed and the remaining work was expected to finish by June this year. He added that work was now progressing at pace.
Barishal Civil Surgeon SM Monjur-e-Elahi said healthcare manpower shortages persisted but services were continuing as best as possible. He expressed hope that once the building was fully operational, healthcare delivery in the Barishal division would improve significantly.
Patients and their relatives have called for swift completion of the project, saying the long-awaited facility is essential to reduce overcrowding and enhance treatment services in the region.
