PM directs authorities for improving healthcare at grassroots

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to take necessary measures to further improve healthcare services for marginalized people and ensure their easy access to treatment. At the same time, he has issued necessary instructions for doctors to be more sincere in providing medical care to patients.

The Prime Minister gave these directives at a meeting held this afternoon (Monday) at the Health Ministry in the Secretariat.

According to the Prime Minister's Press Wing, at the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired about the achievements in the health sector over the past five months since the current government assumed office. In response, ministers, state ministers, secretaries, and other concerned officials informed him that previous governments had pushed the health sector to the brink. Access to proper healthcare for marginalized people had become difficult. They said they are working tirelessly to overcome that situation.

The Prime Minister pointed out that complaints have appeared on social media and in the press that even though doctors are present at the upazila level, patients do not receive satisfactory care, and issues of negligence by doctors have been raised. He directed that punitive measures and other necessary actions be taken in this regard.

He said, "By any means, healthcare for rural people must be made easier. Satisfactory treatment and adequate medicines must be ensured for them. Everyone should be able to receive treatment at government hospitals without hassle and with great ease."

Regarding the treatment of kidney patients, the Prime Minister said, "The 10-bed dialysis centers currently at the district level will be expanded to 50 beds, and within the next three years, dialysis centers will be established at the upazila level in phases. Necessary skilled manpower and logistical support must be ensured in the meantime."

The government has taken initiatives to upgrade upazila health complexes from 51 to 101 beds. Detailed discussions were held during the meeting regarding the necessary manpower and infrastructure for this purpose. At that time, engineers from the Public Works Department presented various details, including infrastructure designs.

The meeting was attended by the Health Minister, State Minister for Health, and senior officials of the ministry.