Railway hospitals to provide services to public: Adviser Fouzul
Railway hospitals across the country will soon begin providing medical services to the general public in addition to railway employees, Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced today (11 April) during a visit to the Chattogram Railway Hospital.
"Doctors under the Ministry of Health will be posted here," Khan said, noting that the Ministry of Railways will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health to facilitate the initiative.
"Different departments cannot work in silos. Everyone must serve the government and the people together. No new establishments will be constructed at this stage," the adviser said, emphasising inter-ministerial coordination.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
To improve hospital operations, Fouzul issued four directives, including the formation of a board of directors to oversee hospital management.
He added that the health ministry would supply doctors, medicines, equipment, and food under the proposed MoU.
The adviser also directed Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam to formally request the health ministry's cooperation.
Fouzul visited various wards at the hospital and spoke with doctors and officials.
They highlighted challenges such as equipment shortages, bureaucratic barriers, and the lack of food provision for some patients due to existing regulations.
"Beds are full in Chattogram Medical College Hospital due to patient overload, but here, many beds are empty," Fouzul observed, stressing the need to fully utilise existing infrastructure.
Railway sources said hospitals are located in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Pakshi, Lalmonirhat, and Saidpur, with a total of 270 beds, though many remain underutilised.
Later, the adviser inspected the Railway Carriage and Wagon Repair Factory, Diesel Workshop Factory, Railway Government High School, European Club, and Railway Museum in Pahartali.
He said steps are being taken to upgrade the carriage and wagon repair factory into a full-fledged workshop, enabling in-country assembly of engines and coaches, which will help reduce time and cost.
