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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Health & Science

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From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A handwashing basin at Keshabpur Upazila Health Complex is being used to dump medical waste, including syringes and medicine cartons.
  • Patients and relatives report an unhygienic environment and express concern over infection risks.
  • The Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer acknowledged the violation of waste management protocols and promised action.

A critical lapse in waste management at the Keshabpur Upazila Health Complex in Jashore has turned a handwashing basin into a dumping site for hazardous medical waste. Used syringes, injection ampoules, saline bags, and empty medicine cartons were found filling the basin, rendering it unusable and posing significant infection risks to patients and attendants. Visitors described the area as unhygienic, with a foul smell, and expressed alarm that a facility meant for public use had become a health hazard. Patients voiced concerns that the hospital's own unsanitary conditions could impede recovery. Local residents criticized the improper disposal of medical waste, which should be placed in designated safety boxes. Dr. Md Rehnewaz, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, termed the incident "regrettable" and confirmed it violated standard medical waste management protocols. He assured that the matter is under investigation and necessary steps will be taken to rectify the situation promptly.

I came here with a fever. When I went to wash my hands, I found the basin filled with blood-stained syringes and discarded medicine packets. There was also a foul smell. If the hospital itself is so dirty, how can we expect to recover here?

โ€” Rahima BegumA patient described the unsanitary conditions at the Keshabpur Upazila Health Complex.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.