Top priority is to make health ministry corruption-free: Minister Shakhawat

The newly appointed Health Minister, Sardar Shakhawat Hossain, has declared that establishing a corruption-free ministry is his top priority while also pledging to dismantle syndicates and eliminate nepotism within the health sector.

He emphasised that no work would be carried out under pressure from any groups and that evidence-based approaches would be adopted to determine how best to serve the public.

"I have no personal greed or attachments," he added.

Addressing concerns over patients seeking medical treatment abroad, the minister said, "When there is a shortage of something, people look for alternatives. Many patients go abroad not just due to lack of trust, but also because our medical facilities are sometimes not up to their expectations."

He stressed the need to expand medical facilities and improve service quality to retain patients within the country.

"We want to bring about structural development. We want to improve quality and develop services. If we simply say we won't allow anyone to go abroad for treatment, that would not be right," he said.

Instead, we must enhance our healthcare services so people do not feel the need to seek treatment outside the country, the minister added. 

Shakhawat Hossain also warned that doctors must adhere to office hours, stating that arriving at 12pm for a 9am duty will no longer be acceptable.

He announced plans to begin hospital visits within the next seven days and to ensure punctual attendance of doctors at their workplaces within a month.

He further said that healthcare services must reach people at their doorsteps.

Regarding manpower shortages, he said he was not yet fully aware of the situation but would discuss the matter with the prime minister if necessary to address any gaps.