Minister Zahid suggests taking initiative to build international-standard DNA lab
Surprise inspections to be carried out to oversee physicians’ performance, says health minister
Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain advised the Directorate of DNA Laboratory Management to take steps to establish an international-standard DNA laboratory, assuring necessary government support.
He made the remarks at an exchange meeting with officials of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs at the Secretariat today (19 February). State Minister Farzana Sharmin was also present.
"The government's election manifesto includes commitments regarding women and children. We must move beyond conventional approaches," he said, adding that existing policies may require changes depending on budget allocation and implementation capacity.
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He expressed commitment to advancing the ministry's work through teamwork to implement the public mandate.
State Minister Farzana Sharmin said effective planning is required for the development of nearly two-thirds of the population. "Development projects must not remain limited to paperwork. They must deliver tangible benefits," she said.
She added that limited resources must be used efficiently and without waste, and that identifying real problems is essential to building public trust.
"If we can successfully implement ten priority tasks instead of taking on too many at once, that will be the ministry's real success," she added.
Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain announced surprise inspections to oversee physicians' performance and ensure quality medical care at a meeting at the Secretariat today.
Addressing an introductory meeting with ministry officials, he said accountability would be prioritised in the health sector.
The minister said the government would not tolerate syndicates or vested interests and that all officials, from senior administrators to grassroots healthcare providers, must remain accountable.
"We want to ensure maximum service in our hospitals. Following the prime minister's directives, we will work so that people directly benefit from our initiatives," he said.
Shakhawat added that surprise inspections would be conducted to verify whether duty doctors are present and providing services. He also reiterated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's instruction to ensure equal medical treatment for all citizens.
The meeting was presided over by Health Secretary Md Saidur Rahman and attended by State Minister for Health MA Muhit.
Muhit said vacancies across departments and institutions are affecting service delivery and stressed the need to fill those posts and improve the standard of medical education.
