Dhaka: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has released a set of 16 directives to ensure that government hospitals maintain uninterrupted emergency medical services during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. This decision comes as part of efforts to handle potential medical emergencies during the festive period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the instructions were detailed in an office order signed by DGHS Director (Hospital and Clinics) Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan. The directives aim to ensure that full-time doctors are available, especially in emergency departments, with additional doctors being deputed if necessary. Key hospital departments, including the emergency department, labor room, and laboratories, are mandated to remain operational 24/7.
To maintain adequate staffing levels, hospital management is advised to stagger leave for personnel before and after Eid, ensuring that emergency medical activities remain uninterrupted. Civil Surgeons have been given the authority to coordinate essential manpower within their districts during the holiday period by notifying the Divisional Director.
Hospital department heads are tasked with daily supervision of their respective departments, ensuring that emergency laboratory and X-ray services remain available at all times. Specialist doctors will be on-call at the upazila level, and provisions are made for sufficient stocks of medicines and medical supplies. Hospital storekeepers are required to remain within their districts to facilitate immediate supply needs.
Ambulance services will be operational around the clock, and hospitals are instructed to notify local authorities and law enforcement to ensure security during the holidays. Fire safety measures are to be implemented in all health service institutions.
Additional directives include maintaining communication with staff, ensuring high-quality food for patients on Eid, and keeping outpatient departments open for no more than 72 consecutive hours. Private clinics and hospitals are also required to keep emergency and maternity services open continuously, ensuring first aid and necessary treatment before referring patients.
Lastly, any disasters or unexpected incidents must be reported to the DGHS control room immediately, ensuring a swift response to any emergencies during the holiday period.