On Monday morning, March 9, 2026, a severe shortage of doctors was observed at Burichang Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla. At 8:30 a.m., only three of the 26 doctors were present, while 23 were absent. According to the Upazila Health Officer, four doctors were officially on leave. The officer stated that he was attending a coordination meeting at the Cumilla Civil Surgeon’s office and would look into why most doctors had not reported for duty.

Patients arriving at the hospital faced significant difficulties. One patient reported waiting half an hour as the ticket counter remained closed, and several rooms were locked. Another patient, injured in an accident, had to be referred to Cumilla for advanced treatment due to the absence of senior doctors, which her family said was financially burdensome.

Cumilla Civil Surgeon Ali Nur Mohammad Bashir confirmed that government doctors are required to report by 8 a.m. and said an investigation is underway to determine why only three doctors were present at the facility.