Ensure uninterrupted emergency services during Eid, DGHS instructs hospitals

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a 17-point directive to ensure uninterrupted emergency healthcare services in government hospitals across the country during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha holidays.

The instructions were issued in an official notice signed by Abu Hossain Md Moinul Ahsan, director (hospital and clinics) at DGHS, on 28 May.

According to the notice, hospitals must ensure round-the-clock presence of doctors in emergency departments by deploying additional medical personnel if necessary. Emergency departments, labour rooms, emergency operating theatres, and diagnostic laboratories must remain operational throughout the holiday period. To manage staffing efficiently, hospitals have been advised to coordinate and stagger staff leaves before and after Eid, ensuring the presence of sufficient personnel during the holidays.

The heads of institutions have been instructed to prioritise uninterrupted emergency medical services and public interest when approving leave requests. "If necessary, hospital administrators may reorganise essential staff within their districts during the holidays after notifying civil surgeons and divisional directors."

Heads of in-patient departments must oversee their units daily, while medical college hospitals, specialised hospitals, district hospitals, and upazila health complexes are required to provide continuous laboratory and X-ray services. At the upazila level, on-call services from specialist doctors must be ensured, the notice read.

Hospitals have been directed to stock adequate supplies of medicines, IV fluids, chemical reagents, and surgical equipment before the holidays, with arrangements for prompt distribution as needed. Storekeepers and staff on holiday duty must remain in their respective districts or upazilas to facilitate this. "Ambulance services must also remain functional 24/7."

To maintain hospital security during the holiday period, authorities must inform the local administration and law enforcement agencies in advance. Additionally, all health institutions have been asked to take fire safety precautions during the break.

Institution heads and departmental heads are encouraged to maintain regular communication with on-duty staff during Eid, including extending Eid greetings. "If a head of an institution is on leave, they must designate a responsible officer to take charge and inform higher authorities of the person's name and contact details."

The notice also stated that on Eid day, the hospital director will oversee the provision of quality food for patients and exchange greetings with them. "Outpatient departments must not remain closed for more than 72 consecutive hours, and institution heads are to make appropriate decisions accordingly."

Besides, all private clinics and hospitals are required to operate emergency and maternity services under registered physicians throughout the holidays. Before referring any patients, necessary initial and en-route treatment must be ensured, and assistance with ambulance access should be provided for those referred.

Hospitals located near cattle markets have been asked to make special preparations to address possible emergency needs.

Any disaster or untoward incident must be reported immediately to the control room of the DGHS, the notice added.