Eid holidays: DGHS issues 16-point directives to ensure medical care in hospitals 

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued a 16-point directive to ensure adequate staffing and medical services at all government hospitals during the upcoming Eid holidays today (18 March). 

Additionally, private hospitals and clinics were asked to keep their emergency and maternity departments open under registered doctors as well as provide initial treatment before referring patients, and meet other service requirements.

Hospitals were asked to ensure the round-the-clock presence of doctors in the emergency department by assigning additional physicians if needed.

Emergency departments, labour rooms, emergency operating theatres, and labs will be operational at all times.

Hospitals were asked to coordinate and grant leave in phases before and after Eid to ensure adequate staff availability.

Institution heads will approve leave while prioritising uninterrupted emergency services and public interest.

Civil surgeons and divisional directors can make essential staff adjustments within districts during Eid leave, if necessary.

Heads of inpatient units will oversee daily operations. Medical college hospitals, specialised hospitals, district hospitals, and upazila health complexes will keep emergency labs and X-ray services operational, with specialist doctors available on call at the upazila level.

Hospitals were asked to ensure sufficient stock and instant supply of medicines, IV fluids, chemical reagents, and surgical items before the holiday. Storekeepers or assigned staff must remain in their respective districts or upazilas.

Medical institutions will maintain 24/7 ambulance services. They will notify local administration and law enforcement agencies in advance to ensure hospital security during the holidays.

They were asked to implement fire safety measures at all healthcare facilities.

Institution heads and department heads will stay in regular contact with on-duty staff and exchange Eid greetings with them. If the institution head takes leave, they must formally assign a responsible officer, whose name and contact details must be reported to higher authorities.

On Eid day, institution heads must oversee the provision of quality meals to patients and exchange Eid greetings with them.

Outpatient services cannot remain closed for more than 72 consecutive hours. Institution heads will decide accordingly.

All private hospitals or clinics must keep emergency and maternity departments open under registered doctors. Before referring any patient, they must provide essential first aid and ensure necessary medical support for the journey. Assistance must be provided in securing ambulances for referred patients.

Any disaster or unexpected incident must be immediately reported to the DGHS control room.