Medical services at a temporary health camp in Kurukpata union of Alikadam upazila in Bandarban are being hampered by a lack of emergency transport and electricity amid a measles outbreak in the area.
Locals alleged that a government vehicle meant for transporting patients and solar power equipment allocated for emergency services are being kept at the union parishad chairman’s residence and used for personal purposes, worsening the crisis in the remote hill community.
A recent visit found doctors and health workers treating patients at a temporary medical camp set up on the premises of Maitree Government Primary School in Kurukpata Bazar.
The camp is being operated by eight personnel -- three doctors, three nurses, one health assistant, and one MLSS staff member.
Doctors and health workers, including Md Amin, Md Shafik, and health assistant Enamul Alam, said patients from remote hill villages travel long distances, often on foot or on bamboo stretchers, to reach the camp.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Md Amin said the camp was launched on April 25 under the district civil surgeon following reports of a measles outbreak.
“We are working with three doctors, three nurses, one assistant surgeon, and one MLSS staff member. Alongside treatment, MR, measles, and rubella vaccination programmes are also being conducted for children aged six months to six years,” he said.
He added that 206 children were treated between April 25 and April 30, including six measles cases. Most others suffered from viral fever, cough, itching, pneumonia, and allergy-related complications.
Health workers said most villages in Kurukpata union remain outside electricity and mobile network coverage, making communication and referrals difficult.
“There is no electricity and no mobile network. Referring patients in emergencies has become extremely difficult,” said a health worker.
Doctors added that patients with pneumonia and respiratory complications cannot be properly treated due to a lack of electricity and equipment support.
“As a result, we are forced to refer critical patients to Alikadam Upazila Health Complex. But there is no ambulance or emergency vehicle available for rapid transportation, putting us in a very difficult situation,” they said.
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Locals alleged that a government vehicle meant for transporting patients and solar power equipment allocated for emergency services are being kept at the union parishad chairman’s residence and used for personal purposes. Photo: Star
Govt vehicle allegedly unused
Locals alleged that a government-issued vehicle meant for emergency patient transport has remained unused for a long time and is currently kept at the upazila headquarters under the union parishad chairman’s custody.
A visit found the vehicle parked at the upazila sadar, not in Kurukpata union.
Residents said the vehicle could have significantly eased emergency transport from remote hill areas if used properly.
Contacted, Kurukpata Union Parishad Chairman Kratpung Mro said the vehicle was allocated under the LGSP-3 project in 2018–19 for emergency services.
“At present, one tyre is damaged and the vehicle is out of service. Repair would cost Tk 8,000–10,000. Since there is no suitable place at my residence, it has been kept at the house of Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Md Nasir Uddin,” he said.
“If anyone wants to use it, I have no objection, provided a new tyre is installed,” he added.
Solar equipment at chairman’s residence
During the visit, solar panels, batteries, and IPS equipment with a capacity of around 5,000 watts, allocated for the union parishad, were found installed at the chairman’s residence.
Responding to the allegation, Chairman Kratpung Mro said the government provided the system in 2016 for emergency electricity support.
“As the union parishad has no building, I installed it at my residence. If the medical team or others need it, they can use it anytime,” he said.
However, locals questioned why government equipment remained at a private residence while the camp faced severe electricity shortages.
Upazila health worker Liton Biswas said Kurukpata union has long suffered from inadequate healthcare, safe water, electricity, and transport.
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Locals from remote areas are travelling to the health camp by boat. Photo: Star
“The situation is worsening with measles, pneumonia, and waterborne diseases,” he said.
Leaders of the Mro Youth Organisation said temporary camps alone are insufficient.
“Without emergency transport, electricity, and permanent healthcare facilities, health risks will continue to rise. Sustainable support is needed to control outbreaks,” they said.
UNO says he “wasn’t aware”
Alikadam Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Monjur Alam told The Daily Star, “This is the first time I have learned that the vehicle and solar panels may be used at the chairman’s residence.”
“I am currently outside the upazila. After returning, I will investigate and take legal action if needed,” he said.
“If such a vehicle existed, we would not have struggled so much to transport patients,” he added.
“Many could have been treated at the camp itself. If true, this is unethical and condemnable,” the UNO said.
