News Flash
KISHOREGANJ, May 27, 2026 (BSS)- Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain has said funds allocated to the health sector were looted during the last 17 years under the fascist regime.
“Instead of collecting necessary vaccines through international organizations, various irregularities were committed for personal gain,” he said while speaking to journalists after visiting Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital here this afternoon.
Husain said as regular MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination campaigns were not conducted after 2020, the measles situation in the country became severe.
Later, with international assistance, the BNP government quickly procured vaccines and carried out nationwide vaccination activities, he said adding that more than two crore children have already been vaccinated.
The minister said vaccination activities are still ongoing at the upazila level to vaccinate children who missed their doses.
Regarding dengue preparedness, he said the government is taking measures and has already stocked more than 100,000 dengue saline bags.
Regarding irregularities taken place during the previous government tenures, he said many radiotherapy machines imported at inflated prices were left unused in hospitals, and many of them have now become nonfunctional.
Number of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in the country is still far below what is needed relative to the population, he said adding that despite limited manpower and financial constraints, the government continues to provide healthcare services.
The minister said after visiting hospitals in Khulna, Faridpur, and other areas, he found that no structural planning had been done according to staffing needs.
“We assumed responsibility under extremely limited circumstances. It is not possible to solve all problems overnight,” he said.
To address the manpower shortage, the minister announced plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers starting next July.
He said 80 percent of the recruits will be women. Through the recruitment of midwives and caregivers, healthcare services for pregnant women will be ensured at the village level, he said.
Husain said second-largest allocation will be in the health sector in the upcoming budget. Starting from July 1, efforts will be made in phases to provide dialysis machines and all necessary facilities to hospitals, he said.
Giving strict instructions regarding the environment and cleanliness of Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital, the minister said stagnant water, garbage, and old hazardous materials must be removed quickly to prevent dengue breeding and fire hazards.
Expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital in the capital, he said it is initially believed that negligence by the hospital authorities caused the incident. An investigation committee has been formed, and necessary action will be taken.
The minister also stated that the government is taking a strong stance against irregularities in private clinics.
Clinics operating without licenses, fake doctors, and institutions conducting unauthorized cesarean procedures will be shut down, he said.
Criticizing the outsourcing system, he said various forms of corruption occur in tenders and recruitment under this system. The government is considering alternative methods.
Local MP and government officials were present during the visit.
Earlier, the minister visited Pakundia Upazila Health Complex and Hossainpur Upazila Health Complex.
