State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit has directed authorities to take immediate steps to make the Health Management Institute in Savar operational after finding its newly constructed buildings unused for four years.
The state minister issued the directive during an inspection of the institute and Savar Upazila Hospital on Saturday.
Dr Muhit said health managers at the upazila level would receive specialised training to improve the quality of healthcare services at the grassroots.
The government has undertaken a plan to build modern 150-bed hospitals in 500 upazilas, he said, stressing that infrastructure alone cannot ensure quality healthcare without proper management and good governance.
“Doctors involved in health administration, from the grassroots to the district level, will gradually receive modern training in health management,” he said.
Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the unused facility, Dr. Muhit said the buildings were constructed with public funds in 2022 but had remained unused for four years.
“I have seen clear signs of corruption, mismanagement and negligence here. I inspected the situation firsthand, and we will take the necessary steps very soon,” he said.
He said the institute would serve as a national training centre for health officials, with civil surgeons from all 64 districts, divisional health officials and doctors managing upazila health complexes expected to receive training there.
Ensuring good governance in the health sector is a key government priority, Dr. Muhit said, adding that efforts are underway to improve healthcare services at the grassroots and build a “Healthy Bangladesh.”