Zero tolerance for corruption in health sector: Health minister

Newly-appointed Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen has announced 'zero tolerance' for corruption in the country's health sector. 

"When the Cabinet Secretary called, I thought it might be about discussing a patient's matter. But the Cabinet Secretary informed me that the prime minister has included me in her cabinet, and they congratulated me," the health minister told reporters after assuming his ministerial role in the secretariat today (14 January).

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed him to adopt a strong stance against corruption and encouraged him to contact her whenever necessary. 

"I was genuinely surprised at that moment. Then, I reflected extensively on the healthcare sector—what needs to be addressed, how it should be addressed, and beyond.

Dr Samanta Lal Sen once had to move from one desk to another at the Ministry of Health Affairs as part of his quest to expand the treatment facility for burn patients from a modest five-bed unit to a comprehensive 500-bed hospital and institute.

The officials at the ministry then threw away his files.

The key figure behind the establishment of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery shared his bitter experience while meeting with ministry officials and the media on his inaugural day as the health minister.

At that time, the health minister said he will be able to run the ministry smoothly if he gets the cooperation and advice of the two secretaries. 

He said, "My goal is to ensure that healthcare services reach the doorstep of the people. Even in remote places like Patgram, individuals should have access to hospitals, convenient medical services, and proficient doctors. I will strive to facilitate that. I aim to establish an environment where doctors are incentivised to remain in smaller cities."

"I don't want patients outside Dhaka to lie on the floor like they do in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). I know there are many challenges as I have encountered while upgrading a 5-bed burn unit to a 500-bed. Transformations of this scale take time and cannot be achieved overnight," he added.

The minister further noted that he plans to collaborate with the Secretary of Health Service, the Secretary of Health Education and Family Welfare Division, and senior officers from all relevant departments to formulate a plan and take action to execute it.

Recalling his recent visit to Tungipara to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Dr Samanta Lal said, "The prime minister has instructed me to properly and effectively fulfil the responsibilities that have been assigned to me.

"We have to prove that holding the election was the right decision by properly governing the country," he added.

During the media interaction, the Secretary of the Health Services Division, the Secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division, directors of various health departments, and senior officials of the Ministry of Health were also present.