No one will go untreated for lack of money: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged to build a healthcare system where no one in Bangladesh is denied treatment because of financial hardship, while stressing the need to expand advanced medical services at home so patients have less reason to seek treatment abroad.

He made the remarks after inaugurating a new 500-bed building at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital at Agargaon in Dhaka on Saturday (August 15).

The prime minister said the government would work to ensure that people can access quality treatment within the country rather than having to travel overseas for specialised care. He also announced that five specialised children's hospitals are expected to be opened in October.

Earlier in the morning, Rahman formally opened the newly built hospital building. As part of the inauguration, he planted a sapling on the hospital premises, joined a prayer and released balloons and pigeons.

His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Social Welfare Minister Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain and senior officials attended the ceremony.

With the new facility becoming operational, the hospital's total bed capacity has doubled from 500 to 1,000 beds, significantly expanding its capacity to treat patients with neurological and neurosurgical conditions.

The hospital began operations in 2012 with 300 beds in a 10-storey building. Another 200 beds were subsequently added to cope with rising patient demand. The latest expansion has added a further 500 beds through the new 15-storey facility.

Hospital officials said the expanded facility is expected to strengthen the country's capacity to provide specialised neurological care and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.