Buildings almost ready, equipment missing: Specialised hospitals project delayed to 2028

Infographics: TBS

A Tk3,433 crore project to establish specialised cancer, kidney and cardiac hospitals in all eight divisional cities has been delayed by another two years, with authorities extending the completion deadline to June 2028 as building constructions are yet to complete and procurement of medical equipment failed to begin.

According to a detailed monitoring report by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the planning ministry, physical progress reached 81.43% as of April this year, while financial progress stood at only 30.81%.

Originally approved in 2019 at a cost of Tk2,388.39 crore, the project's estimated cost was later revised upward to Tk3,433 crore. So far, Tk1,057.9 crore has been spent.

Among the eight hospitals, construction at MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital has progressed the furthest at 97%, while Mymensingh Medical College Hospital has recorded the lowest progress at 53%.

The project was originally scheduled for completion by June 2022. After receiving a four-year extension, the deadline was pushed back to June 2026. It has now been extended by another two years, with completion expected by June 2028.

Equipment procurement yet to start

The IMED said one of the project's critical components – the procurement of medical equipment, furniture, computers and vehicles – has not yet begun.

The report warned that delays in importing medical equipment could prevent the hospitals from becoming fully operational even after construction is completed.

Although IMED inspectors found the overall construction quality satisfactory, they also identified several instances of potentially unnecessary expenditure.

The report questioned the use of costly granite stone, decorative false walls and exterior false brick tiles. It also highlighted technical shortcomings relating to construction material quality, curing practices, grading and compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).

The IMED has recommended finalising the list and cost estimates for medical equipment and initiating the tender process through advance procurement. This would allow work orders to be issued immediately after the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) receives approval.

According to the IMED, internal management shortcomings – not just global factors – have significantly delayed implementation.

The report cited poor coordination between the Public Works Department and the Directorate General of Health Services, frequent changes of project directors, slow decision-making, design complications and limited institutional capacity as major causes of delay.

The IMED said the hospitals would significantly improve access to specialised treatment for cancer, kidney and heart diseases at the divisional level, easing pressure on Dhaka's healthcare facilities while reducing the need for overseas treatment and the associated outflow of foreign currency.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide dialysis services to 3,36,000 patients annually, allowing people to receive treatment in divisional cities instead of travelling to Dhaka.

Mostafa Aziz Sumon, director of National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, told The Business Standard that the Institute currently bears the burden of treating a large share of the country's cancer patients.

"Because of shortages of beds and medical equipment, patients often face long delays in receiving treatment. If construction of the eight divisional hospitals is completed quickly and they are equipped with the necessary manpower and modern medical equipment, the patient load on Dhaka's cancer hospital will be reduced significantly.

"Patients will also be able to receive treatment closer to home, reducing both their hardship and treatment costs," he said.

The IMED report recommends creating posts for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, approving organisational structures, completing equipment procurement and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies before the hospitals open.