Why is dilly-dally in taking over hospital after completion?

Such negligence and disorder could likely only happen in Bangladesh: despite the construction being completed, no government authority has taken over the hospital for several years. The hospital has been lying idle year after year. The contractor has been guarding the hospital with their own staff for almost four years. Despite repeated letters, the authorities have not taken over the hospital. Due to this prolonged delay, various items in the hospital have been stolen.

According to a report published in the media on Saturday (January 11), the construction of the Rajshahi Children’s Hospital started eight years ago and was completed one and a half years ago. The 200-bed hospital has still not been taken over by the authorities. As no government authority has taken over the hospital, the services cannot be initiated. The civil surgeon of Rajshahi stated that they have sent several letters to the health ministry and the health directorate, but since they received no response, the handover of the hospital has faced complications.

According to sources from the Rajshahi Public Works Department-2, the hospital construction project is titled "Construction of Government Children’s Hospital at Rajshahi City Corporation." The hospital, built at a cost of approximately 35 crore Taka, was awarded to a contracting company named "KSBL and HE (JV)." According to the company, the construction work began in 2016, with the main work completed in three years. Additional tasks were given, which the company finished by June 2023. On October 30, a letter was sent by the contracting company to the executive engineer of the Rajshahi Public Works Department-2 requesting the handover of the building.

This incident highlights the level of irresponsibility within our Ministry of Health and Directorate. While earlier communication was possible, since August 5, no response has been received. The contracting company is also unable to explain the reason for this delay. Meanwhile, children in the pediatric ward of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital are being treated in dire conditions. Public funds spent on building a hospital can only be deemed successful when it serves the public. Unfortunately, the hospital, constructed at a cost of millions, has been abandoned. A delay of even one hour in such matters is an offense. Those responsible must be held accountable. It is crucial to prioritize the opening of this hospital. Additionally, those involved in the construction, particularly the officials from the Health Directorate, must be held accountable for why the hospital was left unused.