Another 500 beds added to Neurosciences Hospital, inauguration soon
Once operational, the facility will expand the hospital’s total capacity to 1,000 beds, making it one of the largest specialised centres for neurological treatment in the country
Highlights
- Construction of the new 15-storey building completed
- Recruitment of 852 new staff positions approved
- Ecnec approved the Tk506 crore project in 2018
- From 2017 to 2022, the hospital won "National Award of the Health Minister"
Healthcare for the country's neuro patients is about to get a big lift as the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka gears up to open its another 500-bed building.
Once operational, the facility will expand the hospital's total capacity to 1,000 beds, making it one of the largest specialised centres for neurological treatment in the country.
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Located next to the existing 500-bed hospital in Agargaon, the construction of the new 15-storey building has been completed. Most of the equipment has already been installed, with only some interior work pending.
Professor Dr Badrul Alam, joint director of the hospital, told The Business Standard, "The new building is complete and awaiting inauguration. Once operational, we will be able to serve a larger number of patients. At present, many have to be turned away due to bed shortages."
"It will be inaugurated soon, though the date has not yet been finalised. The ministry will announce the opening date," he added.
Ready to serve more patients
The Cabinet has approved recruitment for 852 new staff positions, and the recruitment process is underway.
The new facility will feature three basement floors for parking and service sections, while the remaining 12 floors will house wards, operation theatres, and diagnostic units.
Hospital records show most patients are stroke victims, followed by accident cases involving brain and spinal injuries. Others seek treatment for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, dementia, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and Guillain–Barré syndrome. The hospital treats patients of all ages, from children to the elderly.
The Neurosciences Hospital, established on 12 September 2012 in Agargaon, Dhaka with 300 beds. As patient demand rose, 200 more were added, but that too proved insufficient.
From hurdles to modern care
In 2018, Ecnec approved a Tk506 crore project to add 500 beds. Construction began on 29 October 2018, awarded to GK Traders, but halted in September 2019 after GK Shamim's arrest, leaving only piling completed.
After a 21-month suspension, Wahid Construction won a fresh tender in 2021 and resumed building the new 500-bed facility, which has now completed the building.
Contrary to the common perception of government hospitals—often associated with unclean environments, out-of-service equipment, and long delays—the Neurosciences Hospital stands out for its efficient and patient-friendly care. Patients here experience minimal hassle when receiving treatment.
However, due to high demand, securing a bed is often challenging, as admissions are only possible when beds are available. Hospital sources note that the new 500-bed facility will help alleviate this pressure.
From 2017 to 2022, the hospital won the "National Award of the Health Minister" as the country's best specialised hospital.
