The government has taken an initiative to upgrade all upazila health complexes across the country to 101-bed facilities as part of its efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector and ensure improved medical services at the grassroots level.
To this end, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on 3 June issued instructions directing all upazila health complexes to take necessary measures and extend cooperation to inspection activities related to the implementation of the initiative.
According to an office order, signed by Director (Administration) of the DGHS Professor Dr. Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, the decision was taken by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry in line with the Prime Minister’s directive.
The order said the initiative aims to improve the quality of healthcare services at the upazila level and ensure greater facilities for patients. It noted that many upazila health complexes currently have limited bed capacity, causing difficulties in providing adequate treatment to patients.
Officials said increasing the number of beds would enable more patients to receive inpatient treatment at the upazila level, thereby reducing pressure on district hospitals.
The DGHS said inspection teams comprising representatives from the Public Works Department and other relevant ministries and agencies would visit upazila health complexes across the country as part of the implementation process.
During the inspections, the teams will assess existing infrastructure, building capacity, expansion possibilities, renovation requirements and the appropriateness of facilities for accommodating additional beds.
The directive instructed Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPOs) to provide full cooperation to the inspection teams and ensure the availability of necessary information, documents and local administrative support for the smooth completion of the visits.
Concerned said the upgrading of upazila health complexes to 101-bed facilities would significantly expand the scope of healthcare services. The move is expected to enhance capacity in maternal and child healthcare, emergency treatment, medicine, surgery and other specialised services.
The initiative is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to district and divisional hospitals for treatment.
About The Author
