Health Minister demands strict action against RMCH authorities

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain has expressed strong anger over the deaths of children due to a shortage of ICU ventilators at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. He said strict action should be taken against those responsible for such negligence.

The minister made these remarks at a medical ethics event at the Shaheed Abu Saeed International Convention Centre in Shahbag, capital, on Thursday, March 28.

"Thirty-three children have died in Rajshahi Medical College in 11 days. Yet the director there did not inform us that he did not have ventilators. He should be put on the gallows," the minister said.

Referring to the negligence of the hospital authorities, the minister said, "When I called him (the director), he claimed the media was exaggerating. But after receiving reports yesterday, it was found that what the media said was true. He could no longer deny it."

He also said that due to delays in government procedures, he is trying to arrange ventilators on an emergency basis through private initiatives. With the help of several pharmaceutical companies, three ventilators are already being procured, and efforts are underway to bring two more.

Emphasising the professional responsibility and ethics of doctors, the minister said patients place deep trust in doctors. Therefore, greater care is needed in service quality, behaviour and responsibility.

He further said that due to excessive workload or fatigue, doctors sometimes make mistakes, which can be harmful to patients. He called for awareness in these matters.

The minister also expressed concern over allegations of unethical behaviour and sexual harassment against some doctors. He said such activities are contrary to medical ethics and are unacceptable in any way.

The health minister also shared his own medical experience, saying he recovered through alternative treatment without surgery after sustaining a serious injury.

Finally, the minister emphasised the need for regular training, study and updating knowledge on new medical procedures for doctors.