Chattogram: Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has announced that the government needs two years to stabilize the economy, which was left in a fragile state by past administrations. The minister emphasized the significant challenges faced by the current government, particularly the global crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict upon taking office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister detailed that the government had to allocate Taka 40,000 crore from the budget for fuel purchases and an additional Taka 50,000 crore for foreign debt payments in the power sector. These expenditures have contributed to the current economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, the government plans to prioritize the health sector in the upcoming budget to provide free healthcare services to the underprivileged.
The minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the foundation laying ceremony for a new academic building at Chattogram Maa O Shishu Medical College Hospital. He criticized the previous regime for the misappropriation of funds in the health sector, which led to a decline in administrative and academic standards due to political interference.
Amir Khosru emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that health sector allocations are properly utilized. He highlighted that primary healthcare is a fundamental right and stated that the government is focused on improving the primary healthcare delivery system as well as preventive and universal healthcare measures.
The minister urged hospital authorities to maintain a standard teacher-student ratio and not exceed their enrollment capacity. He also mentioned plans to provide medical services to the poor in private hospitals, with the government covering costs for indigent patients treated in designated facilities.
The minister stressed the importance of establishing a medical technology institute to address the shortage of skilled medical technologists, which has resulted in valuable equipment being underutilized or damaged. The event was presided over by Syed Morshed Hossain, with speeches from General Secretary Rezaul Karim Azad and hospital Principal Prof. Ashim Barua.
Following the ceremony, the minister participated in a prize distribution and reception for students at Agrabad Mohila College, where notable figures such as Chattogram Education Board Chairman Prof. Abdullah Al Mamun and Regional Director Prof. Fazlul Quader Chowdhury also spoke.