Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain visits Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex in Gaibandha on Sunday. Photo: BSS

GAIBANDHA, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS) - Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today made a surprise inspection of the Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex in Gaibandha.

During the visit, the minister initially instructed the authorities to take action against a Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer (SACMO) over allegations of negligence and irregularities. 

He later verbally directed the authorities to refund the cost of a vaccine purchased by the complainant patient.

During the inspection, a patient named Shamsunnahar, who had been injured by a dog bite, complained to the minister that despite the availability of the anti-rabies vaccine at the hospital, the on-duty SACMO had asked her to purchase the vaccine from an outside source.

She said she subsequently bought the vaccine for Taka 1,030 from outside the hospital and received the dose.

The allegation angered the minister, who immediately telephoned the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO), Dr Masudur Rahman Akand, and instructed him to take disciplinary action against SACMO Hedayetul Islam Chowdhury for allegedly forcing the patient to buy the vaccine despite its availability at the hospital.

The minister also inspected the emergency department, different wards, the hospital store and kitchen and examined the quality of food prepared for patients.

Later, he visited a private clinic and a diagnostic centre.