Despite a grand inauguration over a year ago, the Rangpur 100-bed Children’s Hospital remains devoid of activity, much to the disappointment of locals. The delay in its operationalization by the health directorate has left officials unable to provide a concrete timeline for its commencement, causing growing frustration in the community.
Recent visits to the hospital reveal an unsettling scene – with resident doctors, nurses, and security personnel idle, and children’s rides left neglected and covered in dust.
The district’s ailing children continue to seek treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, adding strain to medical staff and distress to families.
Construction and Facilities: The hospital, spanning 1.78 acres, reached completion in 2019, funded by the Ministry of Health and overseen by the Health Engineering Department. Equipped with modern amenities including emergency units, outpatient departments, laboratories, and more, the hospital was designated an extension of RMCH during the Covid-19 pandemic but hasn’t commenced regular operations.
Official Inauguration and Unfulfilled Promises: Despite a formal inauguration by former Health Minister Zahid Maleque in February 2023, promises of staff recruitment and equipment procurement remain unfulfilled. Construction, completed ahead of schedule in 2020, lacks the necessary workforce and medical equipment for children’s healthcare.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Administrative approval and ministry consent are cited as prerequisites for the hospital’s opening. While efforts are underway, including a demand letter sent to the ministry, bureaucratic delays persist. The full opening is contingent upon finance ministry approval, staff recruitment, and equipment installation.
Local Frustration and Urgency: Rangpur City Corporation Mayor Md Mostafizer Rahman Mostofa voices local frustration, urging immediate action from local lawmakers and the health ministry to activate the hospital, emphasizing the regrettable stagnation since its inauguration.
Amidst bureaucratic hurdles and unresolved promises, the community anxiously awaits the hospital’s operationalization, hoping for swift action to alleviate the prolonged inactive status.
