FinMin cites heavy fiscal burden
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the previous government left the national economy in a fragile condition, adding that the current administration will require around two years to restore stability and put the economy back on the right track.
He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at the foundation-laying ceremony of the 17-storey academic building of Chattogram Maa O Shishu Medical College Hospital on Saturday.
The minister said the government had been compelled to allocate approximately Tk 40,000 crore from the budget for fuel imports, alongside Tk 50,000 crore for foreign debt servicing in the power sector.
He also noted that the economy was facing significant global pressures, including crises triggered by ongoing Middle East conflicts, which emerged shortly after the government assumed office.
“With all together, the country’s economy is not in a good shape,” he said, while stressing that the upcoming budget would prioritise the health sector with the highest allocation, aiming to ensure improved healthcare services for disadvantaged groups, potentially free of cost.
He alleged that much of the health sector allocation under the previous administration was misappropriated, adding that both administrative and academic standards, including medical education, deteriorated due to political interference.
The current government, he said, would ensure stronger oversight to guarantee proper use of public funds in the sector.
Highlighting healthcare priorities, he stated that primary healthcare is a fundamental right, but many citizens have long been deprived of access.
The government, he added, is working to strengthen primary healthcare delivery along with preventive and universal healthcare systems.
He also urged hospital authorities not to exceed student intake capacity and to maintain a strict teacher–student ratio to preserve academic standards.
The minister further said the government is considering arrangements to provide medical services for low-income patients in designated private hospitals, with state funding covering treatment costs for the poor.
He also stressed the need to establish medical technology institutes, citing a shortage of trained medical technologists, which has resulted in valuable medical equipment remaining unused or deteriorating.
The event was presided over by Syed Morshed Hossain, Chairman of the hospital governing body, with contributions from General Secretary Rezaul Karim Azad and Principal Professor Ashim Barua.
Later, the minister attended a prize distribution and reception ceremony for outstanding students and freshers at Agrabad Mohila College.
Among others, Chattogram Education Board Chairman Professor Abdullah Al Mamun and Chattogram Regional Director of the Department of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Fazlul Quader Chowdhury were present, while College Governing Body President Advocate Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan chaired the programme.
