Nationwide measles vaccination will be held again in 3 weeks: Health minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain yesterday said a nationwide measles vaccination campaign will be conducted again in three weeks, urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccines.

The minister stressed the need to raise awareness among mothers about measles prevention and ensure that children receive colostrum and are brought under proper vaccination coverage while talking to journalists after making a surprise visit to the 250-bed Habiganj District Sadar Hospital. 

He also said the government has taken various initiatives to ensure healthcare for all following the prime minister’s directives.

The minister said the previous Awami League government did nothing for the health sector over the past 15 years but “only looted” public money.

He alleged that money was embezzled in various areas of the health sector, including the recruitment of doctors.

Sakhawat said hospitals across the country are treating more patients than their bed capacity, putting additional pressure on healthcare facilities.

He said the government has increased the allocation for food for hospital patients from Tk175 to Tk250 per person.

“Compared with hospitals in other parts of the country, the condition of Habiganj hospital is poor,” he said, adding that necessary measures would be taken after discussing the matter in Dhaka.

The minister said a 60-bed diabetes and dialysis unit would be launched in Habiganj soon.

The government has also taken an initiative to introduce dialysis facilities at every district-level hospital to reduce pressure on hospitals in Dhaka, he added.

He said a site had been identified for a permanent campus of Habiganj Medical College and the government would acquire the land as soon as possible.

During his surprise inspection, the minister ordered the immediate transfer of pharmacist Regan Hossain after finding him absent from duty.

He visited the surgery department, outpatient department and several other units of the hospital and enquired about patient care, attendance of doctors and healthcare workers and overall hospital activities.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s cleanliness and instructed officials to take greater responsibility for improving sanitation and services.

Patients who met the minister also complained about various irregularities and the quality of services at the hospital. He listened to their complaints and directed the concerned officials to take necessary measures.