Dhaka: Mugda Medical College Hospital, a significant government healthcare institution in the capital, is set to be upgraded to a 1,000-bed facility, facilitating the expansion of medical services, increasing patient capacity, and enhancing modern healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Finance has given policy approval for this upgrade, as stated by Habibur Rashid, Member of Parliament for Khilgaon, Basabo, and Mugda areas, and State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Ministry of Railways.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rashid mentioned that the hospital was initially established by BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to ensure healthcare services for the local population. However, the hospital’s expansion activities had long been neglected. During the election campaign, incumbent Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to increase the hospital’s bed capacity from 500 to 1,000.
The state minister explained that after the current government assumed office, he submitted a DO letter to the Ministry of Health regarding the matter. Following the Prime Minister’s directive, the Ministry of Health granted final approval to the project. Today, the Ministry of Finance also granted its final approval.
Sources at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that a large number of patients from the capital and surrounding districts visit the hospital daily for treatment. The existing bed capacity and infrastructure are struggling to cope with the patient influx, causing difficulties for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in managing services.
In response, the initiative was taken to upgrade the hospital to 1,000 beds. Relevant officials noted that the expansion project would include constructing new buildings, establishing specialized units, adding modern medical equipment, and increasing manpower. Plans are also in place to strengthen the emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), cardiology, kidney, neurosurgery, and pediatric departments.
Following the Finance Ministry’s approval, the Ministry of Health stated that the administrative approval and implementation process of the project would now be expedited. A detailed work plan regarding project expenditure, infrastructure development, and recruitment of manpower has already been prepared.
Health sector stakeholders highlighted that the pressure on government hospitals in the capital is increasing daily. Particularly, low and middle-income people depend on government hospitals for treatment. In this context, increasing the capacity of Mugda Hospital would play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare services for the public.
Hospital authorities indicated that the quality of both outpatient and inpatient services would improve further after the expansion work is completed. Patients’ waiting times would be reduced, and more people would be able to receive specialized treatment at a low cost. Additionally, the inclusion of modern medical equipment would enhance the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
Specialist doctors believe that Mugda Hospital has emerged as an important healthcare center for people living in the eastern and southern parts of the capital. Once upgraded to 1,000 beds, the hospital would also help reduce pressure on Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other major government hospitals.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mostafizur Rahman, stated that the government is working to make healthcare services more people-friendly and accessible. “The expansion of Mugda Hospital is part of that initiative. The Finance Ministry’s approval marks significant progress in implementing the project,” he said.
State Minister Habibur Rashid noted that the hospital’s upgradation to 1,000 beds would create new employment opportunities. Simultaneously, local residents would receive improved and expanded healthcare services. He remarked that people in Sabujbagh, Mugda, and Basabo areas would remember Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s contribution for a long time as a result of the hospital’s upgradation.