The 20-bed hospital set up for the people of Dahagram-Angarpota, the country’s well-known former enclave, has been virtually non-functional for years, leaving thousands without access to basic medical services.

Locals said the hospital, constructed in 2011, never became fully operational. The internal units shut down shortly after their inauguration. Although the building’s exterior appears intact, essential services remain absent. With most sections locked and abandoned, the hospital grounds are now overrun by livestock, while the interior resembles a deserted structure.

Although the area is no longer an enclave, residents continue to suffer from severe shortages in healthcare, education, and transportation infrastructure, despite repeated assurances of development, locals said.

One doctor for an entire enclave

Residents complained that although four doctors are officially assigned to the facility, only one physician is currently posted there. A ward boy and a nurse reportedly run the outdoor unit for a couple of hours occasionally, offering only basic medicines such as paracetamol.

“We don’t get any treatment here. The doctor takes salary without coming. We are forced to go to Patgram or elsewhere,” said Bilkish Akhtar, a resident of Dahgram.

Housewife Hasina Begum echoed similar frustration, saying maternal and child health services are completely absent. “This is called a hospital, but nothing works here,” she added.

Healthcare crisis deepens

Locals alleged that the hospital's main gate often remains locked, and modern equipment inside is decaying from years of neglect. The quarters meant for doctors and nurses have also deteriorated due to long-term disuse. Even the ambulance remains unused, said local farmer Bachchu Mia.

In addition, the situation has worsened after the movement of six-wheeler trucks through the Tin Bigha Corridor was stopped. Farmers now have to use tractors or vans to take their produce out, and small vehicles are needed to bring in daily essentials, said Angorpota businessman Moktar Hossain.

The only high school in Dahgram is suffering from a shortage of teachers, leaving students with limited access to proper education, he said.

“Both traders and farmers are facing extreme problems. Movement restrictions through the corridor have made our lives harder.”

Authorities acknowledge the crisis

Lalmonirhat Civil Surgeon Dr Abdul Hakim admitted that although four doctors should be posted at Dahgram Hospital, only one is currently providing services due to manpower shortages. He confirmed that the inpatient department has been closed for several years.

Call for urgent action

Rezanur Rahman Reza, secretary of the Dahagram-Angarpota Sangram Committee, said the enclave’s residents have waited long enough for the promised benefits of freedom. “There is a hospital, but no medical service. People must travel long distances for treatment, as if no one cares about this area.”

Frustrated locals say they had hoped that the joy of being integrated into the mainland would bring long-awaited development. Instead, they continue to wonder how long they must wait to enjoy the full benefits of freedom.