Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today informed the parliament about the government’s initiatives to recruit 100,000 health workers, aligning with the current government’s election manifesto. This announcement was made in response to a starred tabled question by treasury bench member Ikramul Bari Tipu (Naogaon-4) in the House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate manpower to enhance healthcare services and maintain service delivery across the country. He detailed that on January 22 of this year, 2,984 assistant surgeons and 279 dental surgeons were recruited through the 48th BCS, while 98 assistant surgeons (MBBS) and 22 dental surgeons were appointed via the 44th BCS. Additionally, on December 18 of the previous year, 162 assistant surgeons (MBBS doctors) were appointed through the 27th BCS.
In response to another starred question from treasury bench member Joynal Abedin (Feni-2), the minister highlighted the government’s financial commitment from FY2020-21 to date, with an allocation of Taka 4,685.22 crore for importing and procuring COVID-19 vaccines and related equipment. From this allocation, Taka 4,394.08 crore was spent on vaccine procurement, Taka 30.88 crore on syringes, Taka 19.57 crore on transportation, and Taka 99,78,980 on shipping charges for syringes.
The health minister noted that there have been no complaints filed with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding vaccine procurement. Nevertheless, the government is dedicated to transparency and accountability, and any specific information or allegations received will be reviewed and addressed accordingly.