Strengthening CMH: A Veteran’s Perspective on Enhancing the Hospital We Cherish

Pain does not recognize rank. A senior officer entrusted with command at sea can suddenly become just another patient battling discomfort and uncertainty. I experienced that firsthand recently at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. The experience revealed qualities worth celebrating and areas that need thoughtful attention.

Professionalism Worth Saluting

Suffering from intense pain, which I believed was caused by a hemorrhoid, I contacted a few young Army Medical Corps (AMC) officers at the CMH for help. Their response was quick and compassionate. Within minutes, they connected me with a colorectal surgeon who responded promptly, examined me, and recommended immediate admission.

That responsiveness reflected the highest values of our team: duty, precision, care. In the operating theater, the excellence became even clearer. The surgeon and anesthetists demonstrated true mastery and compassion. Alhamdulillah, the surgery went smoothly, and I remain deeply grateful for their sincerity and skill. Their example shows what CMH can be at its best.

Where The System Groans Under Pressure
Before and after the operation, reality reminded me that even strong systems can stretch thin. The emergency ward was overcrowded, filled well beyond its intended capacity. Many of those waiting appeared to be civilians. Mosquitoes and flies roamed freely. Patients in real distress waited too long, while medical teams struggled to manage limited space and overwhelming numbers. My pain was intense, yet I waited one and a half hours before receiving attention. The nurse’s calm response was:

“Sir, serial onujayi attend kori.”
This highlights a policy gap rather than personal fault. Emergencies should be prioritized based on medical need, not arrival time. Proper triage safeguards life and dignity.
The Entitlement Question
CMH primarily exists to serve Bangladesh's defenders: Members of the Armed Forces and their families. They hold a lifelong covenant with the nation: a willingness to sacrifice everything. A hospital designed for the guardians of national security must prioritize their care above all else. Overcrowding changes service dynamics:

 Longer delays
 Staff under pressure
 Hygiene compromised
 Facilities stretched
 Patients frustrated
A balanced and disciplined access policy can protect both service quality and institutional intent.
Cleanliness: A Military Virtue as Well
After surgery, I was shifted to an officer’s cabin. Military hospitals do not need luxury. They need discipline in cleanliness and readiness. Yet I found:

 Unclean washroom
 Basic items missing
 Delayed engagement from the duty nurse
 Medication handled without gloves
Cannula handled without sterile support
These gaps pose risks beyond discomfort. Infection control is a critical component of healthcare excellence.
Supporting Our Nurses for Improved Support
Nursing is a noble responsibility. Many AFNS members demonstrate admirable devotion. However, the environment showed visible challenges in:

Hygiene protocol compliance
Communication and patient empathy
Technical readiness in routine procedures
These are not shortcomings of individuals but areas requiring strengthened training, supervision, and incentivized professionalism.
Six Strategies to Strengthen CMH
The road to improvement is straightforward and achievable:
1. Strengthen entitlement policies: Safeguard rightful beneficiaries.
2. Implement modern triage in emergency care: Severity should determine the order of treatment.
3. Update AFNS training and leadership: Modern nursing standards demand up-to-date preparation.
4. Maintain consistent equipment readiness: Machines should not go offline during working hours.
5. Make cleanliness a command responsibility: A hospital must appear and feel safe.
6. Ensure proactive oversight and accountability: Leadership must take responsibility for the patient journey.
These reforms empower the outstanding doctors and staff to deliver their best without being pulled down by systemic strain.
Critique From Respect, Love, And Loyalty

The Bangladesh Armed Forces remain one of the most trusted institutions in our nation. That trust must reflect in how we care for those who protect us. Constructive feedback is an act of devotion. Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen deserve an environment that matches their courage and commitment.

CMH Dhaka is a pillar of confidence for hundreds of thousands of families. Let it also serve as a model of efficiency and comfort, reflecting the pride woven into every military uniform. We can strengthen CMH not through criticism rooted in negativity but through collective effort grounded in pride. When a defender is cared for with dignity, Bangladesh stands taller.


Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad
is a retired officer of
Bangladesh Navy.