Dhaka: Newly appointed Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today declared that making the ministry free from corruption is his top priority. ‘Corruption will not be tolerated in the ministry,’ he stated while speaking at his office on his first working day after assuming office at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Health Minister expressed his commitment to dismantling all syndicates within the ministry and emphasized that no corruption will be allowed. He stressed that no work will be done under pressure from anyone and pledged to work for the welfare of the people, with the primary goal of making the ministry corruption-free.
The minister assured that he has no personal greed or vested interests. He mentioned that if there is a manpower shortage in the health sector, decisions will be made after discussions with the Prime Minister to address the issue. Furthermore, he committed to ensuring doctors’ punctual attendance at their workplaces within the next month, stating that doctors must adhere to office hours starting at 9:00 am.
He announced his intention to begin hospital visits within a week and mentioned that surprise inspections would be conducted. Necessary actions will be taken against doctors who fail to report on time. The minister emphasized the need to restore confidence in the health sector to prevent patients from seeking treatment abroad, noting that improving standards is essential to reduce this tendency.
The minister also highlighted plans to develop additional frameworks alongside fully utilizing the existing structure to make healthcare services more accessible, particularly in rural areas. Earlier, on the first working day of the new government, the Health Minister and State Minister M A Muhit exchanged greetings with ministry officials. The Health Minister greeted officials in his office and later visited different departments of the ministry, accompanied by Secretary of the ministry Saidur Rahman and other officials.