Ukhiya Specialized Hospital closed due to financial crisis; UNHR says will try to find immediate solution

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said they are working with the government to find an immediate solution to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services amid closure of the Ukhiya Specialized Hospital.

Expressing deep concern over the Ukhiya Specialized Hospital being declared closed due to a financial crisis, Communications Officer at the UNHCR's Cox's Bazar office Shari Nijman said, "The disruption of essential healthcare services highlights the impact of declining global humanitarian aid, further widening the gap between needs and available resources."

The facility will officially be handed over to the relevant government department tomorrow (13 May).

The hospital had been providing healthcare services to both the locals and Rohingya refugees living in nearby camps. It was constructed and equipped in 2022 with financial support from Japan through the UNHCR. 

Under a Memorandum of Understanding, signed with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the UNHCR has been gradually reducing its involvement since mid-2024. The Friendship NGO has been temporarily managing the hospital's services.

Dr Md Shahinur, a physician at the hospital and representative of Friendship NGO, said, "For now, operations at the specialised hospital have been suspended due to a lack of funds. We are currently winding down the hospital's activities. 

"By 14 May, the facility will be handed over to the authorities. If the government or donor agencies like UNHCR or any other organisation provides funding in the future, we will resume operations."

Ukhiya Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mohammad Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury stated, "The hospital has been shut down due to financial constraints. For the time being, it will fall under the Ministry of Health. Later, whoever is assigned by the ministry will resume its operations."

He added, "From what I've learned, running this hospital requires significant funding."