CHITTAGONG: Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum today emphasized the importance of ensuring proper treatment for patients at the union-upazila level to alleviate the strain on district-level hospitals across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nurjahan discussed the significance of a referral system, which would identify which patients truly need to be directed to district-level hospitals from the union-upazila level, thus potentially reducing patient congestion at larger hospitals. She shared these insights while speaking to journalists after her visit to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
Nurjahan noted that CMCH receives approximately 1,200 to 1,500 patients daily, and proper implementation of a referral system would ensure that those requiring treatment from larger hospitals can access it without difficulty. Despite the establishment of small community clinics at the union level, she pointed out that the lack of doctors and essential resources hampers the pr
ovision of comprehensive healthcare services.
The health adviser highlighted that healthcare delivery is a collaborative effort involving doctors, nurses, technicians, and equipment. She acknowledged the government’s responsibility to address these hospital-related challenges. Additionally, she mentioned that outsourcing workers at CMCH have faced salary delays for the past three to four months due to unresolved issues, and a government decision on their pay is pending, which would enable re-allocation of salaries and allowances.
Addressing concerns about deaths attributed to incorrect treatment, Nurjahan urged journalists to report with utmost sincerity to identify the truly accountable individuals in such incidents. Following her hospital visits, she engaged in discussions with department heads at CMCH, accompanied by CMCH Director Brigadier General Mohammed Taslim Uddin and other officials. Nurjahan also toured the Chittagong General Hospital and Chittagong Eye Hospital.