United efforts needed to improve healthcare services: ICT minister

TANGAIL, July 12: Posts, Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam Swapan, MP, stressed the need for coordinated efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services, saying the government is committed to making district hospitals more efficient, cleaner and people-friendly. 

He made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the District Hospital Management Committee in the conference room of the 250-Bed Tangail General Hospital on Saturday afternoon.

The minister said healthcare is a fundamental right and added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has attached the highest priority to the health sector.

He said quality healthcare could be ensured through the combined efforts of doctors, nurses, hospital staff and members of the management committee.

Swapan said the government would take phased initiatives to address key challenges facing the hospital, including shortages of doctors, technicians and other personnel, inadequate medical equipment, and infrastructure problems such as malfunctioning lifts.

The Tangail-1 (Madhupur-Dhanbari) lawmaker also emphasised the need to ensure prompt and quality treatment at the emergency department, maintain cleanliness and provide patients with compassionate care.

"There is no room for negligence in these areas. Patients must not face harassment and should receive the services they deserve," he said.

He added that the government would continue to provide the necessary policy and institutional support to strengthen the healthcare system, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to earn public confidence.

Speaking as vice-chairman of the hospital management committee, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the Tangail General Hospital is a key healthcare facility serving not only the district but also neighbouring areas.

He said doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers must ensure services with sincerity, professionalism and compassion, adding that the government is working to address shortages of manpower and improve hospital infrastructure to ensure quality, hassle-free healthcare for patients.

The meeting discussed a range of issues, including creating a patient-friendly environment, ensuring the presence of doctors and healthcare workers, medicine supply, availability of medical equipment, cleanliness, security and infrastructure development.

Among those present were Hospital Superintendent Dr Khandakar Sadikur Rahman, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, local leaders of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB), officials of the health department, hospital authorities and members of the District Hospital Management Committee.