Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, announced today that a TK 1,300 crore project has been approved for the development of Pabna Mental Hospital. ‘The project has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), and work will begin once the allocation is released,’ he stated in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his office in the Health Ministry Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Sayedur Rahman emphasized the historical significance and existing impact of Pabna Mental Hospital, describing it as a long-standing institution with a vast presence in the nation’s literature and cinema. He noted its importance in serving a unique group of patients and stressed the need for development in the mental health sector in Bangladesh.
Dr. Sayedur Rahman revealed that the idea to develop the Pabna Mental Hospital arose after considering the mental health treatment required for students injured during the July uprising. Despite having a national mental health institute in Dhaka and mental health departments in various medical colleges, he explained that mental health remains underemphasized in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The development of Pabna Mental Hospital, therefore, has become a priority even outside the capital.
The government plans to upgrade Pabna Mental Hospital to a 1,000-bed facility and establish a large mental health institute on its extensive 200 bighas of land. Existing structures will be preserved, while new infrastructure will be constructed. The hospital aims to shift from a doctor-centric approach to include clinical psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
Dr. Sayedur Rahman highlighted the significance of preserving the hospital as a heritage site while advancing its capabilities to provide broad-ranging care and training. Moreover, he mentioned efforts to upgrade the MBBS curriculum to meet global standards by enhancing the Accreditation Council. A team from the World Federation for Medical Education is scheduled to visit Bangladesh to assess the quality of medical education.
Dr. Sayedur Rahman concluded by expressing confidence that strengthening the Accreditation Council will align Bangladesh’s medical education with global standards, alleviating the need for Bangladeshi doctors to re-qualify abroad.