Leave cancelled for doctors, health workers in 11 flood-affected districts: Health Minister

The government has cancelled the leave of doctors and health workers in 11 flood-affected districts to ensure healthcare services, Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday, July 13.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Health, he said the government is prioritising healthcare services.

The minister said 95 snakebite patients have been treated so far. Anti-venom is being supplied to all areas for snakebite protection. However, no cholera cases have been reported in flood-affected areas.

Regarding Ad-din Hospital, the minister said the hospital authorities are making many reforms following the recommendations of the investigation committee. A new decision will be taken after a subsequent visit to the hospital.

Earlier, speaking at the inauguration of the 'Sustaining Play, Learning and Skills in Humanitarian Contexts' programme at the Sonargaon Hotel, the health minister said modern pathological labs will be set up in every upazila hospital by the end of this year. Necessary equipment imports will begin this month.

He also said dialysis services will be expanded in phases to district medical college hospitals, district hospitals and upazila-level hospitals.