DGHS issues 18-point directive to ensure healthcare services during Eid holidays

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an 18-point directive to ensure uninterrupted emergency healthcare services across the country during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

The instructions were issued in an official order signed on Tuesday (May 19) by Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Abu Hossain Moinul Ahsan, with approval from the Director General of Health Services.

The directives aim to maintain continuous emergency medical services, manpower management, and preparedness in both public and private healthcare facilities during the holiday period.

According to the guidelines, emergency departments must ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors, while key services including labour rooms, emergency operation theatres, laboratories, blood banks, CT scan and MRI facilities must remain operational.

Hospital authorities have been instructed to manage leave schedules in a way that ensures adequate staffing before and after Eid, while maintaining uninterrupted emergency care services. Senior officials may approve leave while prioritising public health needs.

The directive also allows coordination of essential medical staff within districts under the supervision of civil surgeons and divisional directors.

All hospital units have been instructed to conduct daily supervision, while specialist doctors in district and sub-district hospitals will provide scheduled rounds, including during holidays.

Emergency laboratory and X-ray services must remain functional at all levels, and specialist doctors at upazila level hospitals will provide on-call services.

The directive further stresses adequate stockpiling of medicines, IV fluids, surgical supplies and essential reagents ahead of the holiday period.

Ambulance services must remain available at all times, and hospital administrations have been asked to ensure coordination with local law enforcement for security arrangements.

Hospitals have also been instructed to maintain fire safety preparedness and ensure continuous communication between administrators and staff during the holiday period.

The circular directs that outpatient departments should not remain closed for more than 72 consecutive hours, while private hospitals and clinics must maintain emergency and maternity services under registered medical supervision.

Authorities have also been asked to ensure special preparedness in areas near cattle markets, and to promptly report any emergencies or disasters to the central control room.

The Health Services Directorate said the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services during one of the country’s busiest holiday periods.