# Health Minister Reveals Major Expansion Plan for Grassroots Healthcare Services

*Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain revealed several initiatives aimed at significantly enhancing healthcare services at the district and upazila levels.*

August 23, 2026 · Health

## At a glance

- Government to recruit 9,500 new healthcare personnel, including nurses and pharmacists.
- 50 dialysis beds to be installed at every medical college hospital and 10 at each district-level hospital.
- New nine-storey buildings with modern facilities planned for upazila hospitals.
- Revised DPP to increase upazila hospital beds from 50 to 151 awaiting approval.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced that the government is implementing various measures to expand healthcare services at district and upazila-level hospitals. Speaking after a surprise visit to the 250-bed Naogaon General Hospital, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts to recruit 9,500 new healthcare personnel, including 2,500 nurses and 2,500 pharmacists, to address the acute shortage of medical professionals and improve dialysis facilities.

## Recruitment Drive and Infrastructure Development

The recruitment process for new personnel has already begun, aiming to enhance dialysis facilities and increase the number of beds available. The minister noted that 50 dialysis beds will be installed at every medical college hospital and 10 at each district-level hospital. The tender process for purchasing these machines is complete, with the goal of launching district-level dialysis services within the next three months.

## Modernisation of Upazila Hospitals

Sakhawat Husain also announced plans to modernise upazila hospitals by constructing new nine-storey buildings equipped with modern ultrasound facilities and advanced pathology laboratories. The revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) to increase the number of beds at upazila hospitals from 50 to 151 is awaiting approval. These expanded facilities will include 25 dedicated beds for maternity care and 20 special beds for children.

## Ensuring Accountability and Quality

Addressing the long-standing issue of manpower shortage, the minister said all formalities for recruiting 5,000 new doctors would be completed soon. Viva examinations for additional doctors through the Public Service Commission (PSC) are also underway. The minister emphasised the need for strict accountability to prevent unauthorised activities and irregularities at private clinics and diagnostic centres, promising legal action against non-compliance. Mobile court drives are being strengthened nationwide in coordination with deputy commissioners and civil surgeons.

## Why This Matters for Bangladesh

The expansion and modernisation of healthcare services at the grassroots level are crucial for improving public health outcomes in Bangladesh. By increasing the number of healthcare personnel and enhancing infrastructure, the government aims to provide better and more accessible medical services to the population. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on Dhaka's healthcare facilities and ensure that quality healthcare is available closer to home for many Bangladeshis.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/health/govt-expands-healthcare-services-grassroots-sakhawat