Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to take urgent measures to improve access to healthcare services for marginalised communities across the country, while calling on doctors to demonstrate greater sincerity and professionalism in treating patients.
The directives came during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday afternoon. It was the first time the Prime Minister chaired a meeting at the ministry’s auditorium.
At the outset of the meeting, Tarique Rahman asked the health minister, state minister, secretary and senior officials to present the achievements of the health sector during the five months since the present government assumed office.
Officials briefed the Prime Minister on recent progress and said the healthcare system had been left in a fragile state by previous administrations, making quality medical services increasingly difficult to access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
They added that the current government has been working to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve public services nationwide.
Action Against Negligence
Referring to reports and complaints circulating in the media and on social media that patients often fail to receive adequate treatment at upazila-level health facilities despite the presence of doctors, the Prime Minister instructed the authorities to take appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, against physicians found negligent in performing their duties.
He stressed that healthcare services in rural areas must become more accessible and that patients should receive quality treatment along with an adequate supply of essential medicines.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that citizens should be able to receive treatment at government hospitals without unnecessary delays or inconvenience, saying public hospitals should become the most reliable destination for healthcare services.
Expansion of Dialysis Services
Expressing concern over the growing number of kidney patients, Tarique Rahman announced plans to establish 50-bed dialysis centres at the district level to improve access to life-saving treatment.
Under the initiative, existing 10-bed dialysis centres at district hospitals will be expanded to 50 beds, while dialysis centres will also be established at upazila-level hospitals in phases over the next three years.
He directed the relevant authorities to develop the necessary skilled workforce and ensure adequate logistical support for the expansion programme.
Upgrading Upazila Health Complexes
The meeting also reviewed the government’s plan to upgrade upazila health complexes from 51 beds to 101 beds.
Detailed discussions focused on the additional manpower, infrastructure and medical equipment required for the expansion. Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) presented infrastructure designs and technical plans for implementing the project.
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhit, senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and directors and senior representatives of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh Medical University, and several other leading hospitals in the capital.
