Govt pushes people-friendly, corruption-free health sector

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to transform the country's health sector into a transparent, accountable and people-friendly system free from corruption.

"A range of measures has been undertaken to build a transparent, accountable and citizen-oriented healthcare system," he told Parliament while replying to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker Jashim Uddin Ahmed of Chattogram-14.

With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair, the minister said the government is continuing efforts to ensure quality healthcare services at people's doorsteps and has launched a series of initiatives to curb corruption and eliminate the influence of brokers and middlemen in the sector.

He said digitalisation has been strengthened at all levels of healthcare delivery to improve service quality and reduce opportunities for intermediary interference.

"The centralised medicine supply monitoring system has also been modernised through an upgraded Supply Chain Management System," he added.

Sakhawat said telemedicine services have been expanded to make healthcare more accessible across the country.

"As a result, patient harassment has decreased and access to specialist medical consultations has become easier," he said.

The minister further informed the House that robust monitoring committees have been formed in hospitals to collect patient feedback and regularly assess service quality.

"Administrative action is being taken against those found responsible for irregularities or service-related lapses," he added.

Highlighting steps to keep essential medicines affordable, Sakhawat said strict market monitoring is in place and efforts are underway to revise relevant policies to prevent excessive profiteering.

He also said work is progressing to gradually introduce health cards or an integrated health database for all citizens.

"The initiative is expected to reduce hassles in receiving healthcare services and ensure quicker service delivery," he said.

The minister added that regular drives are being conducted in coordination with local administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure a broker-free environment in healthcare institutions nationwide.