Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced that the government will establish kidney dialysis centers in every upazila hospital across the country. Speaking on a private member’s resolution in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister emphasized the government's commitment to extending kidney dialysis facilities to remote rural areas. He stated, 'Not only the bed upgradation of the hospitals, a 10-bed kidney dialysis center will also be set up in every 101-bed upgraded hospital at upazilas across the country.'
Expansion of Health Facilities
The minister highlighted that the government aims to provide comprehensive health services to all citizens. This includes setting up separate diagnosis laboratories in rural upazila hospitals to prevent people from falling into the trap of private clinics. Additionally, the government plans to distribute 100 new ambulances to 100 hospitals within the next five years as part of ensuring quality health services.
Renovation and Upgradation
Under the health improvement program, community clinics, health centers, 10-bed hospitals, and 20-bed hospitals will be renovated with necessary physicians and logistics support. The works for these renovations have already commenced. Furthermore, the government intends to upgrade 500-bed and 1000-bed hospitals in phases, subject to the availability of government funds.
Historical Context and Future Plans
The minister recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman first established 30-bed hospitals in every upazila to provide healthcare for the poor. Later, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia upgraded these hospitals to 50-bed facilities. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has now announced plans to upgrade all 50-bed hospitals to 101-bed hospitals. The health ministry is preparing a public-private partnership (PPP) project for this upgradation, with tenders expected by the end of August.
Government Commitment to Healthcare
The government's target is to ensure healthcare for all citizens, in line with electoral manifestoes. Minister Husain stressed that access to health services is a basic and constitutional right of the people. He stated, 'Our government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is going to establish health facilities to ensure quality health services for the whole population of the country.'
