Patients put faith in Ad-Din for affordable healthcare
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The clock showed 11 am As soon as entering the building, the busy activities of everyone became noticeable. Cleaning workers were continuously working with vacuum cleaners. In some places, workers were hammering as repair work continued, while washing and cleaning activities were also underway. Meanwhile, some patients were standing in lines to collect tickets, some were rushing to doctors’ chambers, and others were leaving after completing consultations.
The scene was from the premises of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in the capital’s Mogbazar area. After remaining closed for 45 days, the hospital reopened on Tuesday at 8 am Outpatient services, inpatient services, emergency services and all other medical activities have resumed.
A 45-year-old female patient came from Charmadhua Union under Raipura Police Station in Narsingdi. She is suffering from a breast infection and thyroid complications. She had completed all necessary tests before the hospital was closed. However, after the hospital’s activities were suspended, she could not collect her reports. On Tuesday morning, she was waiting to collect the reports and receive advice from doctors.
The woman said, “We are from a poor family. We faced difficulties because the hospital was closed. Treatment cannot be received anywhere else at such a low cost.”
After hearing from her son on Monday night that the hospital would reopen, she started her journey early Tuesday morning. It takes two hours just to reach Narsingdi city from her home. She travelled the long distance to receive the healthcare she needed.
A conversation was held with a 25-year-old pregnant woman who arrived early in the morning for her regular checkup. The eight-month pregnant woman has several complications during her pregnancy. She has undergone nine checkups so far. However, after Ad-Din Hospital remained closed for one and a half months, she did not receive treatment during that period. She had been waiting for the hospital to reopen.
The woman said, “I am very happy that the hospital has reopened. After watching the news at night, I called the hospital in the morning to confirm and came here.” She said she would deliver her baby at this hospital whether it was a normal delivery or a cesarean section. She said she was satisfied with the services and behavior of the doctors here.
Ad-Din Hospital Administration Manager Mosammat Hasne Ara said many renovation works were carried out during the closure period according to the instructions of the Directorate General of Health Services. Some work is still ongoing to make the hospital more patient friendly.
She said, “From 8 am to 4 pm today, 607 patients received services from the outpatient department. Among the patients, pregnant women and children were the majority. Fifty six patients were admitted to the hospital. During this period, eight pregnant women delivered babies through C-sections and three women delivered naturally.”
Employees were also excited after the hospital resumed operations. The institution has around 2,000 employees. Female employee Monowara Begum said, “I was worried about my job. At this middle age, finding a new job is a difficult matter.”
Foreign intern doctor Ilyas Mansur said, “When Ad-Din Hospital’s license was cancelled, foreign intern doctors were mentally broken. Now the anxiety has gone away.”
Ad-Din Foundation Executive Director Professor Jamalunnessa said infrastructure improvements were carried out according to government instructions. Adequate ventilation, proper movement of air and light, and oxygen availability have been ensured in every ward. Training has also been provided to increase the skills of doctors, nurses and employees.
More renovations in post operative rooms
On May 27, the day before Eid-ul-Azha, six newborn babies died one after another in the hospital’s post operative room. After finding evidence of negligence by the authorities in the newborn deaths, the Directorate General of Health Services cancelled the hospital’s license on June 11. After necessary renovations, the hospital regained its license on July 27.
Visiting the post operative room on Tuesday morning, it was seen that the final stage of work was underway so that mothers and babies could be shifted there immediately after delivery.
There is no air conditioning system in the non paying post operative room. Fans are running above. A wider window has been installed in the room to ensure continuous airflow. The paying post operative room has an air conditioning system, but windows have also been kept there. The room has been decorated.
An official of a private organisation came with his pregnant wife. Their three and a half year old daughter was also with them. He said, “My elder child was born here, and the younger one will also be born here.”
Asked whether he was afraid after the recent newborn deaths, he said, “Accidents can happen anywhere. I do not think about those things. However, the hospital needs to be more careful about patients.”
Another pregnant woman also said she continued to trust the hospital in response to the same question. She said, “Patients receive respect here. Although my home is far away, I am coming here with trust.” She said she was somewhat concerned about the deaths of six newborns but wanted to continue relying on the hospital considering the cost of treatment.
Public health expert Lelin Choudhury told Agamir Somoy, “Closing a hospital after something happens there is not a solution. It cannot happen according to an individual’s personal decision. It is necessary to bring the responsible people under punishment through legal action, and reforms are needed in management.”
