Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Additional Director General Prof Dr Ahmedul Kabir has said that students and the public will not tolerate mismanagement in hospitals.
“If anyone faces harm due to irregularities, they must take responsibility. Changes in the health sector are imminent and will happen soon,” he said this on Saturday during a joint press conference with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the DGHS at Kurmitola Hospital in Dhaka.
Prof Dr Ahmedul Kabir said: "We will visit every hospital to ensure there is no mismanagement. We visited nearly all the government hospitals in Dhaka on Saturday, we will visit private hospitals on Sunday. After that, we will go to all hospitals outside Dhaka."
He continued: "If any health manager, director, doctor, nurse, or employee fails to fulfill their duties, if patients have to get tests done or purchase medicines outside of government hospitals, the students and the public will not spare you. You will have to bear the responsibility for any harm caused by irregularities."
The additional director general also emphasized: "Real change is possible when your opinions are prioritized instead of being imposed. For the past four years, we have advocated for a National Health Insurance, a National Health Authority, and an Independent Commission. We need strategic purchasing, not just equipment, but services as well, but these have not been implemented."
"The right opportunity has come to work effectively in the health sector. Those in their respective positions should perform their duties properly," he added.
Dr Ahmedul Kabir said: "Emails and letters have been sent to all private hospitals. Once they provide their accounts by Sunday, I will be able to share the exact number of casualties with you. It would not be appropriate to comment before that."
Regarding the bills for treatment in private hospitals, he said: "Private hospitals conduct business throughout the year. We expect them to show generosity during this time. We will not force anyone, but many have already waived bills on their own initiative. The Ministry of Health is not only looking at treatment costs but also post-treatment rehabilitation."