Health minister vows to simplify healthcare system

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said on Saturday that the government plans to simplify the country's healthcare system and make medical services more accessible to people.

He also alleged that widespread corruption had taken place in the health sector during the tenure of the previous government.

"The present government wants to serve the people. No one has to pay bribes anymore to receive government services," he said while addressing a financial assistance distribution programme for underprivileged people at the Manohardi Upazila Parishad auditorium in Narsingdi as the chief guest.

Highlighting the government's efforts to improve public services, the minister said access to government facilities has become easier and more transparent.

Calling for healthcare services to be taken closer to people's doorsteps, he said a pilot scheme would be launched to provide medical care to patients while ensuring special treatment arrangements for women and children.

"Government representatives will visit households, provide primary healthcare services and refer patients to hospitals when necessary," he said.

The minister also announced plans to establish two specialised hospitals with 3,000 beds each with support from China.

During the programme, he distributed financial assistance among more than 200 underprivileged people from the municipality and different unions.

Later, he distributed saplings among students and planted a tree on the upazila parishad premises.