Cesarean operations at the Goaland Upazila Health Complex in Rajbari have been suspended for over six months due to the prolonged absence of key doctors and severe staff shortages. The 50-bed hospital, serving around 150,000 people, currently operates with only 10 of its 19 approved junior consultant positions filled. Among the absentees are the gynecology consultant Dr. Sabrina Meher, who has not been attending regularly since mid-2024, and two other consultants who left without leave. Hospital officials confirmed that Dr. Meher’s absence has led to a complete halt in cesarean procedures since June.

The hospital’s operation theater remains unused, and several critical consultant positions in medicine, orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and emergency care are vacant. As a result, only a handful of officers are managing the entire facility. The Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer stated that Dr. Meher’s salary has been suspended and the issue reported to higher authorities. Meanwhile, accident victims from the nearby Dhaka–Khulna highway face life-threatening delays due to the lack of doctors.

Officials expressed hope that upcoming government recruitment through the 48th BCS might ease the staffing crisis, but locals warned that essential and emergency services could collapse completely if the shortage continues.