Armed Ansars to ensure doctors' security at major hospitals: Health Minister

Ten each armed Ansar members will be deployed at each upazila and major hospitals across the country to enhance security for doctors.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain disclosed this matter to reporters after his address as the chief guest at a signing ceremony of memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Kunming Medical University on Wednesday afternoon.

The minister said, "10 each armed Ansar members will be deployed at upazila health complex and major hospitals of the country to ensure the safety of doctors. The move comes in response to recent incidents of attacks on physicians at several healthcare facilities."

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the lecture hall of BMU's Super Specialized Hospital between Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and China's Kunming Medical University. The health minister sought China's continued support in developing Bangladesh's healthcare sector, particularly in rural areas.

As a special guest at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said China and Bangladesh have consistently supported each other, especially in addressing international and regional challenges. He noted that China has long invested in Bangladesh's healthcare sector, contributing to the establishment of institutions such as robotic rehabilitation centers and cardiovascular clinics.

He added that Kunming Medical University is a modern institution with advanced standards in medical education and healthcare services, expressing hope for a new chapter in China-Bangladesh medical cooperation.

Earlier on Wednesday, State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhith said  a state-of-the-art "Mobile Medical and Surgical Unit" will help bring treatment for critical  diseases like heart conditions to people's doorsteps.

He made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at a handover ceremony of the mobile unit at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), as part of China-Bangladesh healthcare cooperation.

Dr Muhith noted non-communicable diseases, particularly heart disease, account for a high number of deaths. He said the mobile unit would enable NICVD to extend its services beyond Dhaka to remote rural areas, significantly improving access to critical care.