Two sub-health centers in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur have been operating without doctors for about 11 to 12 years, depriving local residents of essential healthcare. According to the Raipur Upazila Health Complex office, the centers in Haydarganj Bazar of Char Ababil Union and Saicha village of Bamni Union each have sanctioned doctor posts that remain vacant. Currently, an MBBS doctor visits once a week, while a sub-assistant community medical officer serves patients on other days.
Local union chairmen and residents said the absence of doctors has forced villagers to travel 10 to 12 kilometers to the upazila health complex for even minor ailments, increasing patient pressure on the 50-bed facility. Around 86,000 families, traders, students, and coastal workers depend on these centers, but the lack of doctors has caused severe hardship.
Raipur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Bahrul Alam confirmed that reports on the vacancies are regularly sent to the civil surgeon. He noted that the shortage has significantly increased patient load at the upazila hospital, where 400–500 people visit the outpatient department daily.