Railway Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan visited Chittagong Railway Hospital today. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, April 11, 2025 (BSS) - 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 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, emphasizing inter-ministerial coordination. 

To improve hospital operations, Khan 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.

Khan 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 Chittagong Medical College Hospital due to patient overload, but here, many beds are empty," Khan observed, stressing the need to fully utilize 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 underutilized.

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.