Healthcare services to reach every doorstep

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has said that the government’s goal is to ensure healthcare services reach every doorstep, both in rural and urban areas.

“We are giving the highest priority to public health,” he said, adding that emphasis is being placed on ensuring doctors’ attendance at government hospitals at upazila, district and divisional levels, improving diagnostic facilities and maintaining cleanliness. “We hope people will soon see a qualitative improvement in services,” he added in an interview with a national daily yesterday.

The minister said the government is also focusing on improving the standard of medical education. Meetings have been held with vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors and treasurers of public medical universities. Except for Bangladesh Medical University, other institutions have yet to finalise their statutes. Universities in Khulna, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet face various shortages, with some still lacking proper infrastructure. Discussions have been held on introducing postgraduate courses to advance medical education, and efforts are underway to implement these swiftly.

Work has also begun to improve standards at private medical colleges. The minister said meetings were held with owners to address complaints about excessive admission and tuition fees, with assurances given that costs would be kept reasonable and affordable. Many foreign students study at medical colleges in Bangladesh, enhancing the country’s reputation abroad and contributing to revenue. As a large proportion enrol in private institutions, discussions have focused on expanding facilities to attract more international students.

Regarding service improvements, the minister said steps are being taken to ensure local-level posting of doctors, upgrade ambulance services, strengthen medical waste management and maintain hospital cleanliness. Outsourcing is being considered where there is a shortage of cleaning staff. He expressed hope that doctors would no longer be absent without cause and said he would begin visiting hospitals himself. Although workload has limited his visits, problems have already been identified and measures initiated.

He praised doctors for their dedication during national crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, and stressed the need for professionalism and integrity. Private hospitals, he noted, have also played a vital role in supporting the healthcare system.

The minister said restoring public confidence amid ongoing challenges is now the priority. Plans include improving women’s health, reducing maternal mortality and recruiting midwives. Discussions have been held on appointing 100,000 nurses, 80 per cent of whom may be women. Action will be taken against unregistered hospitals, and domestic production of essential medicines will be increased to ensure supply. In line with the BNP’s election manifesto, the government aims to bring visible changes to the health sector, eliminate corruption and nepotism, fill vacant posts promptly and ensure accountability in hospital management.