Waliullah Emran, Barguna

:Community clinics are an important initiative of the government to provide free primary healthcare at the doorsteps of the marginalized communities.

Although these clinics are supposed to provide medical services, health advice and free medicines from 9 am to 3 pm, six days a week, as per government guidelines, a different picture has emerged in several community clinics in Barguna.

There have been allegations of clinics not being kept open at the scheduled time, absence of health workers and premature closure of service activities. However, local service-deprived people have demanded regular supervision, timely attendance and adequate supply of medicines to ensure the quality of service.

According to the Health Department, there are a total of 136 community clinics in Barguna district. These clinics provide various health services including primary care, family planning, and 22 types of medicines.

Recently, a site visit to the Khajurtala, Kumrakhali and Pajravhanga community clinics in Barguna Sadar Upazila revealed various irregularities. Locals alleged that although services were supposed to be provided from 9 am to 3 pm as per government guidelines, many clinics did not open at the scheduled time. Some clinics were closed before noon.

Local residents of Khajurtala and Kumrakhali community clinics complain that the clinics often open after 10 am instead of 9 am. Patients have to wait for a long time to get medicine. In addition, many people return without receiving services because the clinics close before the scheduled time.

Md. Khairul Islam, a resident of Khajurtala area, said, "Sometimes you have to wait to get medicine. If the clinic was open on time, the people of the village would benefit more."

In this regard, Sangeeta Rani, CHCP of Khajurtala Community Clinic, said that she had to leave early some days due to physical illness. However, she tries to perform her duties regularly.

Farhana Akhter, CHCP of Kumrakhali Community Clinic, said, "I am a regular attender at the clinic. However, there has been a crisis in the supply of medicines for a long time. Patients are often unhappy when they do not receive medicines, but this is not under our control."

Jasmine, a health assistant at Khajurtala Community Clinic, said she was unable to perform her duties for a few days due to illness and going to the Upazila Health Complex for government work.

On the other hand, a visit to the Pajravhanga Community Clinic found it locked at around 12:30 pm. Locals claim that the clinic is often closed on Fridays and Saturdays and that service activities are stopped before the scheduled time on other days as well.

Abu Saleh, a resident of Pajravhanga area, said that many days the clinic closes before noon, causing hardship to the villagers in getting medical services.

Attempts were made to contact the CHCP in charge of the Pajravanga Community Clinic, but his statement could not be obtained.

Barguna Sadar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Arunabh Chowdhury said, "We try to monitor the community clinics regularly. If any complaints of irregularities are found, an investigation will be conducted and action will be taken as per the rules."

Dr. Mohammad Lokman Hakim, Deputy Director of the Barisal Divisional Health Department, said that the government is working seriously to improve the quality of services at community clinics. If the duties are not fulfilled within the stipulated time, necessary action will be taken based on a written complaint.