Health minister suspends 2 doctors during surprise Satkhira hospital inspections

Highlights:

• Two doctors suspended over prolonged unauthorised absence
• Night guard dismissed over alleged air-conditioner theft
• Minister inspects wards, operation theatres, and kitchens
• Visually impaired master's graduate offered government job

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bokul today (26 July) suspended two doctors over prolonged unauthorised absence during surprise inspections of three government hospitals in Satkhira.

He also offered a government job to a visually impaired postgraduate during the visit.

The minister visited Tala Upazila Health Complex around 11:30am before inspecting Satkhira Medical College Hospital and Satkhira Sadar Hospital.

During the visits, he spoke with patients and enquired about the quality of healthcare services and the behaviour of doctors and hospital staff.

He also inspected ticket counters, operation theatres, wards, kitchens, and store rooms to assess overall hospital management, cleanliness and patient care.

At Tala Upazila Health Complex, the minister suspended a physician named Tanni over prolonged absence from duty. He also suspended physician Sohana Selim of Satkhira Medical College Hospital on the same grounds.

In a separate disciplinary action, the minister dismissed Tala Hospital's night guard, Mostafa, over the alleged theft of an air-conditioner from the facility.

The minister expressed satisfaction after inspecting the hospital kitchen and reviewing the quality of food being served to patients.

During the visit, Sharmin Akter, a visually impaired woman who completed her master's degree from Jahangirnagar University, sought employment from the minister.

The minister instructed her to join state-owned Essential Drugs Company Limited on 1 August.

Satkhira Zila Parishad Administrator Habibul Islam Habib, Deputy Commissioner Kawsar Aziz and other government officials accompanied the minister during the inspections.