One bed for 60,000 patients

The Savar-Ashulia industrial zone, home to over 30 lakh residents, mostly garment workers and their families from lower-middle and low-income groups, relies heavily on the Savar Upazila Health Complex for medical services.

Established in 1982 with 31 beds, the government hospital now operates with just 50 beds, serving an overwhelming ratio of one bed for every 60,000 patients. Its two sub-health centers and 29 community clinics also fail to meet the healthcare demands of the area.

Labor organizations have long called for a specialized hospital for garment workers, even proposing the use of the abandoned Tazreen Fashions building for this purpose. They argue that the workers, earning minimal wages, cannot afford the exorbitant costs of treatment in private facilities.

In the 280 square kilometers of Savar Upazila, there are three private medical college hospitals, NGO-run facilities like the CRP (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) and Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and over 200 private hospitals and clinics. However, these are financially out of reach for most garment worker families.

A field investigation revealed that the Upazila Health Complex, along with its two sub-health centers, has only 29 doctors, 220 senior staff nurses and employees, and 37 community healthcare providers (CHCPs). In contrast, over 200 private clinics and hospitals charge excessive fees, with additional costs for medical tests and examinations.

Rafique, a garment worker seeking treatment, told Views Bangladesh that he had come to the government hospital after an accident but couldn’t get admitted due to a lack of beds. Instead, he sought treatment at a private clinic. “I’m here now just for a medical certificate and some free medicines,” he said.

Asked why he didn’t stay at the government hospital, Rafique said, “Although it’s a government hospital, the treatment is inadequate. The doctors provided initial care, but I had to do everything else at a private clinic. Beds here are rarely available, and even the ones they have are in poor condition.”

He added, “If the number of beds is increased and the quality of care improves, people will trust the hospital more.”

Another worker, Shahin, echoed this sentiment. “There’s almost never an empty bed here. We’re forced to go to private clinics, where the costs are much higher. With our limited incomes, it’s nearly impossible to bear such expenses,” he said.

He also noted, “If the doctors were a bit more empathetic, many poor patients wouldn’t have to go without treatment.”

Md. Ibrahim, president of the Swadesh Garments Workers Federation, believes the lack of specialized healthcare facilities for workers is a primary reason behind these issues.

He told Views Bangladesh, “Most residents in Savar-Ashulia are workers with very limited incomes. After covering family expenses and children’s education, they struggle to afford high medical costs. A dedicated hospital for workers would greatly ease their financial burden.”

He added, “The existing government hospital also faces many complaints about its quality of service. Improving healthcare here with special facilities for workers would benefit them significantly.”

Ibrahim also highlighted that while factories provide basic healthcare, it’s often insufficient. “Specialist doctors at factories write prescriptions, but workers still have to spend extra on tests and diagnostics outside. Many even resort to loans to cover these costs after meeting their family expenses.”

Dr. Md. Touhid Al Hasan, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, acknowledged the inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure in the industrial area.

“The current number of beds and scope of services are insufficient for Savar-Ashulia’s population. We’ve requested the ministry to increase the number of beds and expand services,” he told Views Bangladesh over the phone.

He added, “Affordable healthcare services are available for everyone, and we consider cases where patients cannot bear the costs. The government will decide whether a separate hospital for workers can be established.”