Health Minister vows action against Khulna hospital over vaccine shortages, poor food

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain expressed anger after inspecting food served to patients at Khulna General Hospital, throwing away a curry after tasting it during an unannounced visit on Wednesday morning, May 20.

The minister was accompanied by Nazrul Islam Manju and Hure Jannat during the visit.

At the anti-rabies vaccine corner, patients and attendants complained they were being forced to buy vaccines from outside due to shortages. The minister scolded hospital supervisor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam Gazi, who claimed the shortage was due to lack of supply. However, the minister contacted Dhaka and confirmed the hospital had failed to make the necessary arrangements. He vowed action against those responsible.

Later, at the hospital kitchen, he inspected the curry being prepared for patients. Disgusted by the quality, he asked, "If this curry was cooked at home, would you eat it?" He then instructed the hospital superintendent to ensure better quality food.

The minister also inspected the fire-damaged operation theatre at Khulna Medical College Hospital. A fire had broken out in the post-operative and OT rooms earlier in the morning, causing panic and minor injuries before firefighters brought it under control.