Patients at the 50-bed Sreebardi Upazila Health Complex in Sherpur are being deprived of essential medical care due to an acute shortage of doctors and staff. Despite having modern medical equipment, the hospital cannot provide adequate services. Out of 21 sanctioned doctor positions, only six are filled, with two on deputation, leaving just four doctors to serve patients. Among 163 total posts, 88 remain vacant, forcing the facility to operate with only 71 employees.

The hospital serves around 300,000 residents across 10 unions and one municipality, as well as patients from neighboring Jhenaigati. Each day, 300 to 350 patients visit the emergency and outpatient departments, overwhelming the few available doctors. Key departments such as anesthesia, surgery, gynecology, and medicine have no specialists, leaving many patients—especially women—without treatment. Locals say they are compelled to seek costly private care, burdening low-income families.

Health officials stated that the shortage has been reported to higher authorities, but no action has yet been taken to resolve the crisis.