Netrakona, July 30 (V7N) — In several unions of Netrakona district, local health and family welfare centers (UHFPCs) and community clinics remain closed for most of the month—leaving rural communities without essential medical care. Despite mandates to provide integrated healthcare, family planning, and nutrition services, these facilities often fail to serve patients during duty hours.
 
During a field investigation in Atpara Upazila, reporters visited the 10-bed mother and child health center at Noon (Kamrun Nahar Jebu). At midday, officials including Medical Officer Pallab Saha and six staff members such as pharmacist Md. Abdullah Al Noman and assistant medical officer Shafiqul Islam were present. Yet, zero patients were registered. Meanwhile, facilities for staff—boarding, lodging, and meals—were well-maintained, even though the clinic lacked basic operational services or was locked altogether.
 
Similar observations were made at the Nazirganj union health center in Sukhar Union, which was found securely locked despite being part of the government's service network. Though pharmacist Masud Rana resides near the center, he is deputed to Atpara hospital and does not attend the local clinic. When approached, he stated that due to a lack of medicine and patients, the facility remains non-operational.
 
At the Raydum Ruhi Community Clinic on Tuesday, (July 29) around 1:00 p.m., no staff was present. Regular health providers—including CHCP Khondokar Shamima Akter, Health Assistant Geeta Saha, and FWV Halima Akter—were absent, and locals reported instances of poor behavior by staff when the clinic had intermittently opened, discouraging attendance.
 
When informed, the District Civil Surgeon and Family Planning Officer stated that they would investigate the absences and take appropriate action.
 
Residents express that the unreliable operations of UHFPCs and clinics amount to a public mockery of the health system. They urge government authorities either to properly staff these facilities or to implement alternative measures ensuring that basic health services reach the underserved populations.
 
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