Nationwide Measles Vaccination Drive to Resume in Three Weeks

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

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after making a surprise visit to the 250-bed Habiganj District Sadar Hospital.

The minister stressed the need to raise awareness among mothers about measles prevention and ensure that children receive colostrum and are covered by routine vaccination programmes.

He said the government has taken various initiatives to ensure healthcare for all in line with directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Sakhawat also criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging that it failed to improve the health sector over the past 15 years and misappropriated public funds.

He alleged that irregularities occurred in several areas of the health sector, including the recruitment of doctors.

The minister 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 Tk 175 to Tk 250 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 discussions in Dhaka.

Sakhawat 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 the permanent campus of Habiganj Medical College and that 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, enquiring 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 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.

Habiganj District Council Administrator Ahmed Ali Mukib, Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sharfaraz, hospital Superintendent Aminul Haque Sarker and officials of the district health department were present during the visit.