Health Minister gives 72-hour ultimatum at N’ganj hospital

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain has expressed strong dissatisfaction over mismanagement, poor hygiene, and staff absenteeism at Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to fix the issues.

He instructed hospital authorities to rectify the situation within 72 hours and directed the Deputy Commissioner to closely monitor the matter.

The minister made the remarks on Sunday (June 14) while visiting Narayanganj to inaugurate Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in 10 districts across the country.

Arriving at the hospital earlier than scheduled, he personally checked attendance registers and verified the presence of officers and employees.

Although his official arrival time was 10:00 a.m., the minister reached the hospital at 9:00 a.m. Upon arrival, he inspected various departments and called doctors, nurses, and staff members by name while reviewing attendance records.

During the inspection, he found several responsible officials absent and observed multiple administrative irregularities.

He also reviewed healthcare services, cleanliness standards, and patient care activities.

The minister instructed hospital officials to perform their duties more responsibly and urged them to work sincerely to improve public healthcare services.

Addressing the Civil Surgeon, he said, “We have seen the condition of this hospital despite visits by ministers, secretaries, and directors general.

I have visited many hospitals across Bangladesh, and at least they maintained cleanliness in anticipation of inspections.

You have failed to do so. I am giving you until the day after tomorrow to fix these issues.”

He further instructed that all outdated kitchen equipment be removed and blackened cooking pots be destroyed and sold as scrap in the presence of a representative from the district administration.

“You cannot keep such items in use. I have been patient for three months. It is time to forget the past and perform your duties properly,” he added.

Highlighting fire hazards and health risks, the minister warned that such conditions could spread germs and pose serious dangers, particularly to patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.

He said, “The Prime Minister works 16 hours a day and continues working even at home.

We must be inspired by that dedication. Together, we must restore Narayanganj to its former glory.”

The minister stressed that these irregularities had been tolerated for too long and that officials must now act with accountability. Public service, he said, must be given the highest priority, leaving behind outdated attitudes and practices.

He added that the government is committed to bringing positive changes in the healthcare sector, and government employees must adopt a new mindset in carrying out their responsibilities.

Necessary action will be taken if the directives are not implemented within the stipulated time.

The event was chaired by Health Services Division Secretary Mohammad Kamruzzaman Chowdhury.

Among those present were Advocate Mohammad Abul Kalam, Sakhawat Hossain Khan, Mamun Mahmud, Mashukul Islam Rajib, Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Mohammad Raihan Kabir, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Munshi, and Dr. Abul Fazal Mohammad Mushiur Rahman.