Govt to upgrade upazila health complexes to 101-bed facilities

The government has launched a nationwide initiative to upgrade every upazila health complex to a 101 bed facility, aiming to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ease pressure on higher level hospitals.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued a directive on June 3 instructing all upazila health complexes to prepare for inspections linked to the implementation of the plan. 

The order, signed by DGHS Director Administration Professor Dr Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, stated that the move follows a directive from the Prime Minister and a decision by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to officials, many upazila level hospitals currently operate with limited bed capacity, making it difficult to provide adequate inpatient services. 

Expanding these facilities to 101 beds is expected to allow more patients to receive treatment locally and reduce overcrowding at district and divisional hospitals.

Inspection teams made up of representatives from the Public Works Department and other relevant agencies will assess the existing infrastructure of each facility. 

The visits will examine building capacity, scope for expansion, renovation needs and overall suitability for accommodating additional beds.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers have been instructed to cooperate fully with inspection teams and ensure the availability of required documents and logistical support.

Health authorities believe the expansion will significantly improve access to maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, medicine, surgery and other specialized treatments at the grassroots level. 

The initiative is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of advanced care.