Overcoming various challenges : Monirampur Upazila Health Complex could be a model in healthcare
James Abdur Rahim Rana, Jashore
Monirampur Upazila Health Complex in Jashore has brought a touch of modernity to healthcare. With its combination of quality treatment, modern equipment, clean environment and sincere service, this hospital is now becoming known to many as a 'model healthcare center'.
At least 5.5 lakh people live in Monirampur, the second largest upazila of the country. This health complex started its journey as a medical training center in Mohanpur Mouza in 1964 with the aim of ensuring their healthcare. Currently, this hospital, spread over an area of more than 4 acres, has 50 beds. 17 doctors and 28 nurses are working here.
The hospital has an NCD corner, a 'House of the Mind' for mental patients, IMIC, EPI and a health and child education corner. 24-hour ECG service, digital X-ray, ultrasonography and pathology examination facilities are also being provided. On an average, 40-45 pregnant women undergo normal deliveries and 15-20 cesarean operations are completed every month. In addition, more than 100 medicines including diabetes, antibiotics, insulin and inhalers are being provided free of cost to the patients.
To create a clean and aesthetic environment, the hospital campus has a beautifully decorated courtyard, a multipurpose hall, a mosque, a rest room for patients and relatives, a garage and improved sanitation facilities. Special worms are being used in waste management, which is being praised as an environmentally friendly initiative.
Intaz Ali, a 70-year-old man from Kashipur village, said, "I am receiving treatment for diabetes here. They have prescribed me medicine, I see a doctor regularly, and I am receiving medication. I am very happy."
Amena Khatun of Agarhati said, "I have been in the hospital with my daughter for three days. The nurses and doctors are regularly checking on her and giving her medicine. The girl has improved a lot."
Babu Patwari of Bijoyrampur village said, "The boy had dengue. The hospital examined him and treated him very well. We are satisfied with the service."
Staff nurse Hawa Begum said, "I came into this profession with the mindset of serving people. I try to serve patients sincerely."
Senior Medical Technologist Anisuzzaman said, "The number of patients has doubled compared to before. Now almost all types of tests can be done in the hospital. The government treasury is collecting several times more revenue from user fees than before."
The hospital's reputation has grown in recent times thanks to the dedicated work of its team of smart doctors. Resident Medical Officer Dr. Anup Kumar Basu said, "More than 5-6 hundred patients are coming to the outdoor clinic every day for treatment. Modern medical methods and aesthetic environment have increased the confidence of the patients." Upazila Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Faiyaz Ahmed Faisal is under the overall supervision of the medical activities.
Dr. Fayyaz Ahmed Faisal said, "To make the Monirampur Upazila Health Complex a true model, it is essential to quickly recruit manpower for vacant posts. Especially, the posts of specialist doctors and medical technologists need to be filled. In addition, if a modern hospital building and digital equipment are ensured, this hospital can become a model for other Upazila Health Complexes in the country."
Despite various challenges, the Monirampur Upazila Health Complex is becoming a shining example of upazila-level healthcare in the country. Advanced services, modern equipment, skilled manpower, and humane behavior—all of which are moving forward to transform this hospital into an effective healthcare model.
