Health services at the Laksam Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla are being provided from a severely damaged and risky building. Cracks have appeared on the walls, plaster is falling from the ceiling, and parts of the structure are reportedly at risk of collapse. Despite these hazards, doctors and staff continue to serve patients, with about 1,000 to 1,200 people visiting the outpatient department daily. The hospital’s residential quarters have long been abandoned and turned into drug dens and sites of criminal activity.

The complex, built in 1965, has not received necessary renovations or new staff housing even after being upgraded from 20 to 50 beds, and work to expand it to 100 beds remains incomplete after the contractor left. Health officials have informed higher authorities about the situation, but no action has been taken. A portion of the hospital’s land has also been illegally occupied by influential groups, with allegations of bribery involving a hospital employee.

Patients and staff report living in constant fear of structural collapse, while essential facilities such as toilets and delivery rooms remain in disrepair, worsening the hospital’s service conditions.