Minister makes surprise visit to Habiganj hospital, absent doctor fired
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakawat Hossain has ordered the dismissal of an absent doctor and the transfer of a pharmacist during a surprise inspection of the Habiganj District Sadar Hospital.
Without any prior announcement, the Health Minister visited the Habiganj Hospital on Saturday afternoon. He toured the hospital for about two and a half hours. He also expressed anger over the hospital's mismanagement and uncleanliness.
During the inspection, the Health Minister learned that Medical Officer Dr. Mehedi Hasan has been residing in the USA for over five years without taking leave. Additionally, Pharmacist Regan Ahmed was absent from his workplace, yet a temporary employee had been placed in charge of the medicine store.
The Minister said, "Doctor Mehedi is already dismissed. I have ordered his termination and the transfer of the pharmacist to Vishwambharpur."
During the visit, the Health Minister also explained the deaths of children from measles. He said that although the government has achieved its vaccination targets, children under five months of age generally do not receive the vaccine. Since most of the children affected by and dying from measles are under five months old, they are at higher risk of infection.
After concluding the hospital inspection, the Minister said that due to long-term neglect, the hospital is plagued by various problems, including a shortage of doctors, a bed crisis, mismanagement, and uncleanliness everywhere. The Director General has been instructed to address these issues, and necessary measures will be taken soon.
He also expressed anger over a generator that had been lying unused at the hospital for five years. The Minister said he has ordered the generator to be opened, inspected, and for necessary action to be taken.
Furthermore, he informed that plans are underway to launch Health and Wellness Centers at the union level across the country and to send doctors and nurses door-to-door. He also mentioned plans to provide at least 10 dialysis machines to each district.
During the approximately two-and-a-half-hour inspection, he toured various departments, including the measles ward. At that time, Zila Parishad Administrator Ahmed Ali Mukib, Deputy Commissioner Dr. G.M. Sharforaz, and Hospital Superintendent Dr. Aminul Haque Sarkar were present.
