Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Sunday ordered the immediate transfer of a family planning assistant after finding her absent from the Upazila Family Planning Office without permission during a surprise visit to the 50-bed Charbhadrasan Upazila Health Complex in Faridpur.
He ordered the transfer of Family Planning Assistant Rina Akter to Sadarpur Upazila Health Complex.
During the inspection, the minister reviewed patient care, the attendance of doctors and healthcare workers, and the overall condition of the hospital. He also directed the authorities to ensure an adequate supply of snakebite and rabies vaccines at the vaccination centre.
Sakhawat Hossain also pledged to upgrade the hospital to a 151-bed facility equipped with modern medical equipment, pathology services, and separate wards for women and children.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, he said ensuring healthcare services for rural people has long been a national priority.
He noted that the late President Ziaur Rahman had introduced 31-bed hospitals in rural areas, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia later upgraded them to 50 beds.
The minister said the current government, in line with its election manifesto, plans to transform the Charbhadrasan hospital into a 151-bed facility. He also announced that a gynaecologist would soon be posted to the hospital.
Later, the minister visited Sadarpur Upazila Health Complex, where he inspected several wards and reviewed healthcare services and the hospital’s overall operations.