Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Thursday said the government plans to launch improved healthcare services under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, initially at five hospitals in Dhaka on a trial basis.
“Plans are underway to expand the healthcare program to other cities,” he said while addressing an event held at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) in Bogra.
The health minister said discussions with the five hospitals had been finalised, but another meeting would be held next week to determine the fees private partners would charge. The pilot program would begin once financial arrangements were settled, he added.
"We will initially introduce the program on a trial basis at five hospitals in Dhaka before expanding it to other cities. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is interested in the initiative, and we are working to implement it," he said.
Describing SZMCH as a major healthcare centre for northern Bangladesh, the minister said the government was considering expanding access to advanced treatment for complex diseases, including cancer and liver conditions.
Hospital authorities had been asked to submit written lists of their problems, which would be addressed gradually, he added.
On the shortage of doctors and the absence of a separate paediatric ICU at SZMCH, the minister said the government planned to establish around 20 new ICUs across the country, including one in Bogra. He said 17 of the 500 newly appointed doctors had been posted to different healthcare facilities in Bogra, with more appointments planned.
Recruitment of another 5,000 doctors is also underway. Applications have closed, and the Public Service Commission is conducting the interview process, he added.
Blaming corruption and mismanagement over the past 17 years for the deterioration of the healthcare sector, he said the current government was working to restore discipline and improve services.
