'My message is clear – unlicensed clinics and hospitals must be closed down'

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen announced Tuesday that all unlicensed private hospitals and clinics in the country would be shut down.

He made this statement during a meeting with the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum, an organisation comprising journalists working in the health sector, at the Secretariat.

Highlighting the numerous challenges in the health sector, Dr Sen acknowledged his awareness of the issues and expressed his commitment to combating corruption.

Responding to questions from journalists, he said, "I will not give up on corruption. These unlicensed hospitals cannot be allowed to operate. Although I cannot do this overnight, my message is clear – unlicensed clinics and hospitals must be closed down, and action must be taken against them. I, myself, am a victim of these."

Expressing his determination to continue working in the same dedicated manner as he had throughout his career, Dr Sen said that he had witnessed the suffering of people closely.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, he said, "Patients lie on the ground and do not get treatment. I will try to move forward with the issues. It will take time, but if everyone cooperates with me, the problems can be solved."

During the meeting, the family of Ayaan, a five-year-old who tragically passed away after a botched circumcision procedure at United Medical College Hospital in the capital's Badda, demanded justice and punishment for those involved in Ayaan's death.

Dr Sen expressed his grief over the incident and assured the family that a committee had been formed to investigate the matter. He vowed to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law once the probe report was received.

Directorate General of Health Services Director General Professor Dr ABM Khurshid Alam echoed the sentiments, saying, "We are very saddened and shocked by Ayaan's death. We have formed an inquiry committee, and the hospital has already been shut down. Such accidents are not desirable, and professional negligence will not be accepted."

In addition to these urgent matters, Health Services Division Secretary Md Jahangir Alam announced that the country would receive an additional 2.5 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine over the next two years.

The fourth dose, to be administered in two phases, will target frontline workers, the elderly, and individuals at risk of health issues.

Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation have been requested for the necessary doses and the vaccine administration is expected to begin from April.

Addressing concerns about the Ministry of Health's budget utilisation, Jahangir Alam detailed initiatives to train administrative personnel.

He highlighted the importance of preparing individuals for administrative positions, particularly upazila health and family planning officers, civil surgeons, and division directors.

On-the-job training on Public Procurement Related Rules is being provided to these individuals, with the aim of overcoming budgetary challenges.

As the meeting concluded, Health Minister Dr Sen reminded the public that the threat of Covid-19 persists and urged caution. He advised the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to avoid public gatherings and encouraged everyone to wear masks in crowded places.

When asked about the challenges of his role, Dr Samanta Lal Sen stressed the importance of meeting the expectations of the common people, saying, "The biggest challenge is to meet the expectations of the common people. May I be able to fulfill it!"