Dhaka: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued 16 directives aimed at ensuring uninterrupted emergency healthcare services at hospitals across the country during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. These measures are intended to maintain the availability of essential medical services during the festive period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the directives were issued today through an office order signed by Dr Abu Hossain Md Moinul Ahsan, the Director (Hospitals and Clinics) of the DGHS. The instructions include ensuring the presence of doctors around the clock by engaging additional staff as needed, and maintaining continuous operation of emergency departments, labor rooms, emergency surgeries, laboratories, blood banks, CT scans, and MRIs in all government hospitals nationwide.
The directives also emphasize the importance of adequate manpower. Medical staff can be granted leave in phases before and after Eid, ensuring no disruption in emergency medical activities. Coordination of essential manpower within districts during the holidays is advised, with communication to the Civil Surgeon and Divisional Director.
Hospital heads are instructed to supervise departmental activities daily, particularly ensuring the availability of emergency lab and X-ray services in various hospitals. There is also a requirement for a sufficient stock of medicines, IV fluids, chemical reagents, and surgical materials. Ambulance services are to remain operational round the clock, with security measures coordinated with local authorities.
The guidelines further address fire safety, communication between institution heads and on-call staff, and the provision of high-quality food to patients on Eid. The outpatient department is not to be closed for more than 72 hours consecutively. Private clinics and hospitals are also instructed to keep emergency and maternity departments open 24/7, and to provide necessary first aid and transport for referred patients.
Lastly, any disaster or unexpected accident must be reported immediately to the control room of the DGHS, ensuring a rapid response to any emergencies that may occur during the holiday period.