Rajshahi:Five 200-bed children's hospitals that have remained unused since construction due to a lack of manpower and equipment are expected to be launched by the end of this year, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Affairs Dr. SM Ziauddin Haider announced today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the five hospitals together around November-December. Dr. Ziauddin Haider shared this information while speaking to journalists after visiting Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) and exchanging views with its doctors and officials.
Regarding the long-delayed launch of Rajshahi Children's Hospital, Dr. Haider mentioned that the process of creating new posts for recruiting the required manpower has been completed, and the purchase of equipment and furniture is in its final stage. The prime minister will announce the inauguration of the five hospitals from Dhaka.
Dr. Haider also addressed the manpower and infrastructure shortages at RMCH, noting that the hospital was facing a shortage of doctors, nurses, and other staff. Although the hospital's capacity was officially upgraded from 550 to 1,200 beds in 2013, its manpower, infrastructure, and equipment were not expanded accordingly, resulting in continued operation largely with the capacity of a 550-bed hospital.
He explained that the previous government had declared the hospital a 1,200-bed facility without making the necessary arrangements. The current government has decided to establish 100 ICU beds alongside the 1,200 general beds at the hospital. A project has been initiated to develop the infrastructure of RMCH and seven other old medical college hospitals, with additional manpower, equipment, and facilities in line with their bed capacity. Expansion work at RMCH is expected to begin by the end of this year, which will help improve the hospital's existing situation.
Dr. Haider also highlighted the high incidence of snakebites in the Rajshahi region due to its proximity to the Padma River, noting that the hospital often lacked the necessary facilities to treat snakebite patients. He expressed hope that an adequate supply of antivenom will reach the hospital soon.
When asked about allegations of irregularities by a contractor in supplying lifts for the RMCH ICU building, resulting in patient suffering, Dr. Haider stated he was unaware of the matter. RMCH Director Brigadier General PKM Masud-Ul-Islam later clarified that the incident dated back to 2023, with an investigation revealing that the lifts supplied by the contractor were unsuitable. A report was sent to the ministry, which is processing action based on the findings. The Public Works Department has also conducted a fresh investigation, and measures are being taken in line with that report.
Reserved women's seat MP Mahmuda Habiba, Rajshahi Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Jawadul Haque, and hospital doctors were present during the visit.