During a sudden inspection of the Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain directed departmental action against five doctors absent from their workstations for prolonged periods. Concurrently, he instructed the return of seven doctors currently on attachment elsewhere to their respective workstations.
On Wednesday (October 28) around 8:30 AM, visiting the hospital, the Health Minister reviewed doctor attendance, patient care standards, and hospital sanitation. Engaging with patients, he personally provided financial assistance to two distressed individuals.
Hospital sources revealed that among 51 doctors, 12 were found absent during the inspection—seven on attachment elsewhere and five absent for extended durations. Consequently, the Minister ordered departmental action against the absent physicians.
During inspection, the Health Minister announced upgrading Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex to 151 beds. Planned expansions include establishing 10 dialysis machines, a 20-bed maternity ward, a 20-bed neonatal unit, separate male and female physiotherapy services, and launching a breastfeeding center.
The Health Minister stated plans to complete tender procedures for the project within the next 15 to 16 days, while assuring doctor postings at Muradnagar hospital from 48 newly joining physicians slated for November 1.
While noting overall management improvements compared to past conditions, the Health Minister expressed dissatisfaction over waste and garbage management. Characterizing unhygienic indoor hospital environments as alarming for healthcare, he stressed that alongside assuring patient care, maintaining clean hospitals is vital.
Hospital-related sources noted a shortage of suitable land for waste disposal in the upazila. Addressing this, the Minister indicated exploring appropriate waste management solutions within hospital premises through consultations with relevant Health Engineering Department officials.
Furthermore, the Health Minister instructed the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer to initiate condemnation processes for inoperable hospital vehicles. Addressing ambulance shortages, the Minister stated plans to arrange ambulances within the upcoming fiscal year.
Speaking with journalists, the Health Minister remarked that upazila-level healthcare nationwide has long lacked desired development. The current government has undertaken initiatives to render upazila health complexes more modern and people-friendly.
He added that healthcare standards at Muradnagar hospital appeared better than before, though irregularities caught his attention, prompting warnings to physicians.
The Health Minister assured easing and enhancing healthcare access for Muradnagar residents by ensuring doctor attendance, posting required physicians, expanding modern medical facilities, and upgrading waste management.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sayeed Mahmud Parvez, Comilla Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
