UNOs, OCs used to get Tk1 crore ahead of elections: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Husain has commented that corruption has permeated every pore of society over the last 17 years. He has called on everyone to work together to emerge from this situation.

The minister was the chief guest at a meeting held at the Manikganj Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday afternoon. Speaking there, he said, "This corruption had firmly taken root over the last 17 years. When elections came, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) used to get 1 crore taka, the police station's Officer-in-Charge (OC) used to get 1 crore taka, and the DCs also got it. It was a veritable jungle of bribery and corruption."

"This time elections have taken place—has anyone received even 10 taka? I haven't heard of any. We must change our mindset because we have been elected by the people's votes. The money that has been lost to corruption must be invested for the welfare of the country's people. We must eradicate corruption from every pore of society. For this, everyone must work together," he said.

The minister believes, "To save the country, we must stop corruption and say no to drugs in society. To save our children and grandchildren from ruin, everyone must work together to curb all types of crimes, including gambling and drugs, and we must improve the healthcare system."

This special meeting was held at the DC office to coordinate law and order, developmental, and public welfare activities.

In his address as chief guest, the Health Minister said, "In the past, patients in hospitals used to be given food worth 175 taka. But after the BNP government came to power, we have arranged 250 taka worth of food for each patient. Besides, the quality of hospital food is now much better than before. Additionally, improved meals are arranged for patients admitted to hospitals on special days."

Sharing the government's plans for marginal healthcare, he said, "Health and Wellbeing Centers will be established in every union across the country, and 42,390 health workers will be recruited nationwide. This will enable them to deliver healthcare services to marginalized communities. This will facilitate the diagnosis of diseases like breast cancer in women and also reduce mortality rates. Furthermore, every Upazila Health Complex in the country will be upgraded from 50 beds to 151 beds."