Healthcare services at Matlab North Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur have collapsed due to an acute shortage of doctors. Despite being a modern facility upgraded from 31 to 50 beds, only four doctors are currently serving nearly 500,000 residents across one municipality and 14 unions. The hospital has lacked key specialists, including gynecology, surgery, pediatrics, and anesthesia consultants, for years. Cesarean operations have remained suspended for 14 of the hospital’s 16 years, forcing expectant mothers to seek costly private care.

The hospital’s infrastructure, including an X-ray machine and laboratory, remains underutilized due to the absence of technicians and adequate staff. Several doctors are on deputation or absent without cause, further worsening the crisis. Local anti-corruption committee president Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said poor residents depend solely on the hospital, yet essential maternal services have been unavailable for most of its existence. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mahbubur Rahman stated that despite the hospital’s upgrade, the lack of manpower and technical staff severely limits service delivery.

The ongoing shortage has forced many patients to travel to Chandpur or Dhaka for treatment, increasing both costs and health risks.