As the number of cancer patients continues to rise, Sylhet’s treatment facilities remain critically overstretched. With only one radiotherapy machine serving a population of 11.1 million — a machine that was out of order for four months this year and remains at risk — radiotherapy services, a crucial stage of cancer care, are under severe strain.
A visit to the Radiotherapy Department of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, along with discussions with medical staff, revealed a system struggling to cope. Despite operating from 8am to 9pm daily, the department’s equipment and staff are far too limited for the high patient load, leaving cancer treatment services fragile. This has led to renewed demands for the swift opening of the newly built Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
High prevalence of head, neck and women’s cancers
According to the department, head and neck cancers — particularly of the oral cavity, throat, nose and thyroid — are the most common. Among women, breast cancer and cervical cancer are dominant. Many head and neck cancer patients require 33 consecutive days of therapy, adding to scheduling pressure. Patients from Bhairab, Netrokona and Mymensingh are also travelling to Sylhet as Dhaka’s facilities face long delays and overcrowding, further increasing daily patient pressure.
One machine, long waiting times
The lone radiotherapy machine serves around 150 patients a day, yet new patients still face long delays. Earlier this year, securing a treatment schedule took two to three months. With two honorary radiotherapy technologists recently added, the situation has moderately improved, and most patients now receive appointments within a month.
Records show that patients who arrived on 23 October — including Md Saba Mia and Zahera Begum — received appointments for 23 November. Those who came on 24 October — Abdul Hafiz, Siraj Mia, Nur Uddin and Shakila Begum — were also given dates one month later.
Acute staff shortage
The department is supposed to have a professor, an associate professor and an assistant professor, but only one assistant professor is currently managing the entire department. Similarly, although six radiotherapy technologists are required, only two had long been available until two more recently joined on an honorary basis.
Heavy load and fear of machine breakdown
Therapy runs continuously from morning to late evening. The machine, installed in 2018, broke down in January and remained non-functional for four months. Although repaired, staff fear it may fail again under current pressure.
Urgent need to open the 100-bed cancer centre
Construction of a modern 100-bed Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Osmani Medical College Hospital is nearly complete. With four radiotherapy machines planned, it could treat at least 600 patients per day. However, progress slowed after the fall of the previous government during the mass uprising. Officials believe the centre’s opening would significantly benefit patients in Sylhet and neighbouring districts.
Dr Sardar Baniul Ahmed, head of the Radiotherapy Department, said, “The shortage of staff is our biggest challenge. Where three teachers are required, I am working alone. Still, we are trying to give patients the best possible service.”
He added: “At least 150 patients receive therapy every day. In the past year, 980 patients have undergone radiotherapy. As head and neck cancer patients need 33 consecutive sessions, the daily total grows with both new and returning patients.”
On delays in scheduling, he said: “We receive far more patients than we have the capacity to handle. The waiting time used to be two to three months; now we have reduced it to one month.”
The hospital’s Assistant Director (Administration) said the influx of patients surged after the fall of the previous government. “We have taken steps to improve the situation. Conditions are now better, and serious patients are being prioritised.”
He added that efforts were under way to fill vacant posts, expand service capacity and expedite the launch of the new cancer centre.
Source:Kalerkantho
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
