4I_J EALTH for all by the year 2000' seems to have A Ibecome a distant dream. While there are much talk of improved health and sanitation, reality tells a different story. Disruption of water supply at Narayanganj Hospital is a classic example of what goes on in the healthcare system.

When the submergible water pump showed signs of technical problems, water supply came to a standstill. It is noteworthy that a similar problem occurred last year, and there was no water for fifteen days. According to the hospital superintendent. an overhead water tank and an ordinary pump would solve the problem. However, there has so far been no initiative from the government to help solve the matter.

Owing to this, the operation theatre was inoperative, as were the laboratories. While some patients were able to buy bottled water for their - use, others had to rely on a nearby pond! Now the question that looms is, who will be responsible for the diseases that may originate from use of contaminated pond water?

The Health Ministry should be accountable for such shortcomings. Even if the problem in itself is not too large, when considered In a broader context .of hundreds of people falling prey to such inefficiencies, it is disdainful and despicable. There may be many such hospitals in suburban areas that are facing similar problems. We need to know of such constraints and drawbacks and thereby find a cure to that, at the earliest. And to have a long-term solution the Health Ministry must be the key-player in straightening anomalies, if any.