Health Minister expresses dissatisfaction over hospital cleanliness lapses, orders action within 3 days

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Husain has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the unhygienic condition of Narayanganj General Hospital (Victoria Hospital), directing authorities to ensure visible improvements within three days.

The minister issued the directive on Sunday morning (June 14) during a visit to the hospital, where he inspected the launch of intensive care unit (ICU) services for 10 district hospitals as well as overall healthcare facilities.

During the inspection, the minister found the hospital kitchen and several other areas in an unclean condition, prompting immediate displeasure. He questioned the presence and accountability of hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and officials, after conducting a surprise attendance check upon arrival.

He warned that administrative action would be taken if the situation did not improve within the stipulated timeframe.

“The cleanliness and service standards must reflect the trust of the people. If there is no visible improvement within three days, action will be taken against those responsible,” the minister said.

Addressing a separate briefing, the minister said the government has allocated Tk 69,000 crore in the current fiscal year for the health sector to ensure healthcare reaches people’s doorstep.

He added that around 100,000 health workers will be recruited nationwide, including approximately 80,000 female health assistants.

He also said community health workers will provide door-to-door services for pregnant women at the union and upazila levels, while efforts are underway to improve the quality of services at union health facilities.

Highlighting emergency preparedness, the minister said ICU services have been introduced in 10 districts to strengthen critical care capacity, particularly in response to dengue and other health emergencies.

Plans are also underway to establish two 1,500-bed specialized hospitals for women, alongside 20 specialized hospitals nationwide to provide advanced services including dialysis and cancer treatment, he added.

The minister further mentioned a plan to procure four helicopters to facilitate the rapid transfer of critically ill patients from upazila-level facilities to advanced hospitals.

Health Ministry Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury chaired the event, which was attended by local representatives, senior officials, and health department authorities.