DGHS issues 16-point directive to ensure uninterrupted medical care during Eid holidays
Hospitals have been asked to stock adequate medicines, IV fluids, chemical reagents and surgical supplies before the holidays.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a 16-point directive to ensure that emergency medical services remain uninterrupted and patients receive the necessary care at hospitals nationwide during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, director (Hospital and Clinics) of the DGHS, issued these directives to all hospitals, medical colleges, and specialised hospitals across the country on Thursday (12 March).
According to the directive, hospitals must ensure round-the-clock presence of physicians in emergency departments during the Eid holidays, deploying additional doctors if necessary.
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Ambulance services must also remain operational at all times.
Emergency units, labour rooms, emergency operation theatres, laboratories, blood banks, as well as CT scan and MRI services have been instructed to remain open throughout the holiday period.
DGHS also asked hospital authorities to coordinate staff leave before and after Eid to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Heads of institutions have been directed to prioritise emergency medical services and public interest while approving leave.
Medical college hospitals, specialised hospitals, district hospitals and upazila health complexes have been instructed to keep emergency laboratory and X-ray services operational round the clock, while specialist physicians at the upazila level must remain available on an on-call basis.
Hospitals have also been asked to stock adequate medicines, IV fluids, chemical reagents and surgical supplies before the holidays.
Storekeepers or responsible staff must remain within their respective districts or upazilas to ensure prompt supply when needed.
The directive also emphasised strengthening hospital security by informing local administration and law enforcement agencies in advance, as well as ensuring fire safety measures in all healthcare institutions.
Additionally, outpatient departments must not remain closed for more than 72 consecutive hours, while private clinics and hospitals have been instructed to keep emergency and maternity services open under the supervision of registered physicians.
DGHS also asked healthcare facilities to immediately inform its control room in the event of any disaster or unexpected incident during the Eid holidays.
