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The government has approved the plan to construct a 560-bed specialised hospital in Rangpur for treating kidney, cancer and cardiac patients. 

Health and Family Welfare adviser Nurjahan Begum disclosed the information while speaking to journalists after visiting Rangpur Medical College Hospital on Saturday afternoon.

She said that patients were often forced to receive treatment lying on the floor at Rangpur Medical College Hospital due to a serious shortage of beds.

‘The government took the initiative to establish the specialised hospital to address the crisis,’ she said, also adding that construction of the hospital might not be finished during the tenure of the interim government.

‘But it will be implemented by the next administration,’ she said.    

The project has already received budgetary allocation, mentioned the adviser. 

Regarding mismanagement at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, she noted that the health ministry was giving special attention to improving healthcare services, while initiatives would be taken to appoint more doctors, nurses and other staff for the hospital. 

The adviser further said that the government had decided to procure hospital equipment through electronic government procurement system to curb irregularities and syndication in the health sector.

‘Strict action is being taken against those involved in syndicates and other malpractices,’ she said.

Regarding the opening of Rangpur Children’s Hospital, she said, ‘There is no reason to keep it closed. But running a hospital requires manpower and equipment, which the previous government had not planned for. This matter is under our consideration.’ 

Rangpur deputy commissioner Mohammad Robiul Faisal, director of Rangpur Medical College Hospital Brigadier General Ashiqur Rahman, civil surgeon Dr Shahin Sultana, and other officials were also present during the adviser’s visit.