FENI. Feb 1: Even though the demand for health services is increasing everyday in the country, two newly built hospitals in the district could not go into operation even after completion of their construction works eight months back, reports UNB.

Officials here said the two hospitals — Feni Adhunik Sadar Hospital and Fulgazi Thana Health Complex — were constructed at a cost of Tk 9.20 crore in May last year with the financial assistance of OPEC and EEC.

They said the 50-bed Feni Adhunik Sadar Hospital could not be upgraded into a 100-bed one although construction of its second and third floors had been completed, spending Ik 4.75 crore.

"After completion of construction works, the hospital is now fully ready for operation. Necessary equipment has also been procured. But it Can riot go into operation for lack of adequate doctors, nurses and em-

ployees," said an official wishing anonymity.

Feni Civil Surgeon Dr Rashiduzzaman told that on average about 125 to 140 patients are admitted to the hospital for treatment. "But the patients have to suffer a lot for lack of adequate bed. medicine and physicians."

He said repeated appeals by the health department to the higher authorities for immediate upgradation of the hospital fell on the deaf ears. "We have not yet received the formal approval to open the hospital for reasons unknown." the official said.

Besides, the two-story Fulgazi Thana Health Complex, built at a cost of Tk 4.45 core, remained put of Operation simply for lack of formal approval of the higher authorities.

Over 30 staff. Including physicians and officials, at the 31-bed health complex in Mun-shirhat area had been drawing salaries without works Since June last year.