Be sincere and patient-friendly, Khaiyam tells Rajbari doctors

RAJBARI, July 20: State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam on Monday told doctors working at Rajbari Hospital that no corruption, negligence, or mismanagement in the district's healthcare system will be tolerated. 

He called for greater sincerity in medical services and friendly behaviour towards patients.

He made these remarks while speaking as chairman at the management committee meeting of Rajbari Sadar Hospital on Monday afternoon.

The state minister said that the people of the district had long been deprived of proper healthcare services. He alleged that during the previous government's tenure, public funds were embezzled under the pretext of healthcare, with fake documents used to siphon money without supplying furniture, life-saving medicines, or medical equipment.

He stated that after the long autocratic rule of the Awami League, the current government has brought about a radical change in the healthcare system. Rajbari Hospital has been upgraded from 100 to 250 beds, and a 250-bed medical college hospital will be launched in the district very soon. Arrangements are already being made to procure furniture worth Tk 10 crore.

The state minister, also the Member of Parliament for Rajbari-1 Constituency, emphasised quality improvement in the procurement of furniture for the 250-bed hospital infrastructure. He called for necessary assistance from the superintendent of police to ensure a broker-free environment. Adequate stock of life-saving medicines must be ensured so that helpless patients receive essential drugs. Arrangements should be made to launch a 10-bed isolation unit and ICU. He also stressed the urgent need for proper management of infectious and non-infectious waste and cleanliness.

He instructed authorities to ensure cleanliness and renovation for the mental well-being of patients, along with beautification of the garden and converting the motorcycle garage into a proper structure. The hospital must be made broker-free, with administrative support if needed. He said that hospital ticket prices must not be increased under any circumstances and instructed nursing supervisors and others to behave well with patients. Security arrangements for patients must also be ensured.

Currently, out of 67 sanctioned posts, 26 doctors are serving, while 31 posts remain vacant. He assured that these vacancies would be filled. There is no cardiac surgeon, eye surgeon, or medical officer in some departments, nor is there a senior consultant in any division. He also assured cooperation in addressing these issues.