Health minister orders private clinics to open labour rooms by Saturday

The government has directed all private clinics and hospitals across Bangladesh to establish functional labour rooms for normal deliveries by Saturday, warning that failure to comply will result in the cancellation of operating licences.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain issued the directive on Monday (July 6) while addressing a programme organised by the Bangladesh Midwifery Society in Dhaka.

The minister said the move is part of the government's efforts to curb the growing trend of unnecessary caesarean sections and promote safe normal deliveries.

He said that a profit-driven culture has emerged in parts of the healthcare sector, where financial gain is often prioritised over patient care, contributing to the rising rate of avoidable C-sections.

Referring to antenatal care, the minister said many expectant mothers are unnecessarily alarmed about potential complications and encouraged to undergo Caesarean deliveries, even when there is no medical necessity.

He also stressed the importance of ethics in the medical profession, saying doctors hold a position of immense public trust and must uphold the highest standards of professional responsibility.

"I am clearly directing that all private clinics and hospitals must have labour rooms operational by Saturday. Those who fail to comply will have their licences cancelled," he said.

The minister also highlighted concerns over newborn health, noting that babies delivered through unnecessary Caesarean sections often miss early access to colostrum, the nutrient-rich first breast milk that plays a vital role in strengthening immunity.

He said the government would take all necessary measures to encourage normal deliveries, reduce unnecessary C-sections and ensure safer maternal and newborn healthcare.