In Chattogram’s Hathazari upazila, the Mekhal Union Health and Family Welfare Center has remained abandoned for nearly eight years, forcing healthcare operations to continue in a rented building funded by local residents. The original facility, built in 1983, was declared abandoned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2014 after becoming structurally unsafe. Since January 6, 2026, services have been completely halted following the leave of the center’s only medical officer, Dr. Ali Chowdhury.

According to local sources, the building became severely damaged over the years, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, and broken infrastructure. Despite repeated appeals, no new construction order has been issued. Residents report significant hardship in accessing healthcare, as the temporary rented facility offers limited services. Local community members have urged authorities to rebuild the center urgently.

The Hathazari Upazila Family Planning Officer stated that several centers, including Mekhal Union’s, were expected to be rebuilt in 2024, but no official directive has yet been received.