Drug shortage hits all 283 Jashore community clinics, patients leaving empty-handed

Infographics: TBS

Suffering from fever and severe body aches, van driver Mizanur Rahman went to the Basudebpur Community Clinic in Monirampur, Jashore, expecting the free medicine he had always relied on. Instead, he was told to go elsewhere.

The community healthcare provider explained that no medicines were available. This raises a bigger question: why have all 283 rural community clinics in Jashore gone without medicine supplies for eight straight months?

These government-initiated clinics are often the first and only line of care for the poor, providing both medical advice and free medicines. Without them, villagers like Mizanur face not only illness but difficult choices between treatment and daily survival.

Standing outside the clinic gate, Mizanur expressed frustration: "This is our place of trust. If the government can't provide medicines, why keep these clinics open?" His question resonated with others, as at least 20 patients had also been turned away that day.

Clinic workers describe the disruption as unprecedented. Previously, each clinic received two to three cartons of medicines every three months based on local needs. Now, deliveries have almost completely stopped, leaving shelves bare.

Operating hours present additional challenges. Although clinics are officially open from 9am to 3pm, six days a week, many now operate only between 10am and 1:30pm, reducing patients' access further.

At Rohita Community Clinic, farmer Nazrul Islam recalled once receiving free medicine for gastrointestinal issues. Now, like many others, he must purchase medicines from shops, adding financial strain.

The clinic's healthcare provider, Debabrata Sarkar, said their last supply arrived on 27 April, a single carton containing 22 types of medicine that ran out within days. "Patients kept coming for fever, gastric issues, cough, and allergies. Now, many stopped after hearing that medicines are unavailable."

In Nebugati, Komola Biswas came seeking treatment for skin irritation caused by floodwater, only to be told the same: no medicines. Healthcare worker Mithu Biswas said their last delivery was mid-last year. "We can provide medical advice, but it's not the same as treatment."

Even serious cases suffer. Rafiqul Biswas of Dholgram, recovering from a stroke, said poor patients like him have no alternatives.

Speaking anonymously, a health worker said, "Patients get angry with us. We've informed authorities, but the response is always to use what's available or just offer advice."

Monirampur Upazila Health Officer Faiyaz Ahmed Faisal acknowledged the shortage. "We managed some supplies last April, but nothing since. Without medicines, we can't provide the intended service."

District Civil Surgeon Masud Rana confirmed an eight-month medicine shortage, with only one-third of the requested supplies received monthly. "People are returning empty-handed," he said, adding hope for improvement next month. Meanwhile, villagers keep arriving but often leaving with little more than advice.