Initiative to turn Shyamoli TB Hospital into National Institute of Tuberculosis Control

An initiative has been taken to transform the 250-bed TB Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, into a National Institute and Hospital for Tuberculosis Control. At the same time, plans will be undertaken to construct a new 500-bed building and fill vacant posts for doctors, officials and staff to expand healthcare services for patients.

The plans were announced by Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the hospital management committee and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, at a meeting of the committee held at the hospital’s conference room in Shyamoli on Monday (September 14).

Speaking at the meeting, Hajjaj said transforming the hospital into an institute would not only improve treatment for patients but also expand tuberculosis detection, research and training activities. He said the institution needs to be developed into a modern, integrated and effective centre for tuberculosis control.

The meeting also discussed the hospital’s longstanding shortage of manpower. Hajjaj said steps would be taken to fill vacant posts for doctors, officials and employees as soon as possible. Necessary measures would be taken in consultation with the Ministry of Health, he added.

The hospital currently has 250 beds. Hajjaj said an initiative would be taken to construct a new 500-bed building to cope with the additional pressure of patients. The expansion is expected to increase treatment opportunities for tuberculosis patients.

Earlier, the state minister visited various wards of the hospital. He enquired about patient care, the supply of medicines and overall management, and spoke with patients and their relatives to hear about their problems. He later held discussions with doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers and urged them to work with greater responsibility and sincerity to improve the quality of healthcare services.

He also directed the authorities to remove encroachments from the footpath in front of the hospital to ensure unobstructed movement for patients, their relatives and members of the public.

Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Directorate General of Health Services, Department of Social Services, members of the hospital management committee, doctors, officials, employees and health journalists attended the meeting.