Dhaka:Bogura The government plans to introduce advanced healthcare services under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system at five tertiary-level hospitals in Dhaka. This initiative is set to begin on a pilot basis, with intentions to expand to other cities nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain announced the plan during an event at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, marking SZMC Day. He noted that discussions with the hospitals have been completed, and a meeting next week will finalize the charges that private organizations will collect for these services.
The launch of the PPP-based services will proceed once the charges are agreed upon. Minister Sakhawat mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is keen on this initiative, and efforts are underway to implement the plan. The minister also highlighted Bogura's significance as a healthcare hub in the northern region and discussed plans to enhance treatment facilities for complex diseases.
Addressing issues specific to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, the minister noted the lack of a separate ICU for children and a shortage of doctors. He announced plans to establish around 20 new ICUs across the country, including one in Bogura, and mentioned that 17 new doctors have been posted in the district, with more to follow as part of a recruitment drive for 5,000 doctors.
Minister Sakhawat also criticized past corruption and mismanagement in the healthcare sector, stating that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to restore order and improve services. The event also featured speeches from former principal Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Dr A N M Monowarul Kadir Bitu, lawmaker Rezaul Karim Badsha, Deputy Commissioner Md Toufiqur Rahman, and SZMCH Principal Prof Dr Wadudul Haque Tarafdar.