Sufficient stock of all vaccines in country for next six months: Health minister

Bangladesh currently has an adequate stock of all types of vaccines, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said today (22 April), assuring uninterrupted immunisation services for at least the next six months.

"There is no shortage of vaccines. We will be able to provide vaccines for the next six months," he told reporters after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Bangladesh-China Joint Surgical Clinic at Shahbagh in the capital.

The MoU was signed between Bangladesh Medical University and China's Kunming Medical University, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare services.

Addressing concerns over rabies vaccine shortages, the minister acknowledged there had been a temporary crisis but said it has already been resolved through local procurement. 

"Previously, there was a clause requiring external testing of the vaccine, which delayed supply. We have withdrawn that clause," he said.

He added that Bangladesh has started sourcing anti-rabies vaccines locally from leading manufacturers such as Incepta and Popular Pharmaceuticals. 

A buffer stock is expected to be in place within the next one and a half months, while rural areas are currently not facing any vaccine shortages, he noted.

Responding to questions regarding the reported looting of six truckloads of equipment from the BMU Super Specialised Hospital, the minister clarified that the stolen items were not medical equipment. 

"We have not yet completed checking all items, but I can assure you these are iron materials, part of construction supplies, as seen in the video," he said.

He confirmed that a general diary (GD) has been filed and police are investigating the incident. 

"Whoever is involved, no matter how senior, will be arrested. If any government employee is found responsible, they will be dismissed. No one will be spared," he added.

Highlighting Bangladesh-China cooperation, Sakhawat Hossain said China has consistently supported Bangladesh's development, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He noted that the new agreement reflects the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.

The minister said joint surgical clinics and mobile healthcare services will be introduced to deliver improved medical care, particularly to marginalised communities.

To address workforce shortages in the health sector, the government plans to recruit 100,000 health workers soon. 

Additionally, ten armed Ansar personnel will be deployed at all Upazila -level hospitals to ensure the safety of doctors.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed optimism that bilateral cooperation in the health sector will reach new heights.