State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid stated that despite nationwide budget constraints, Faridpur Medical College Hospital can deliver proper services if corruption and embezzlement are completely stopped.
She made these remarks on Friday morning as the chief guest at a reception held in the hospital’s auditorium. The event was organized by hospital authorities to congratulate her on being nominated as the President of the Faridpur Medical College Management Committee.
“I will ensure absolutely that no one can use political influence to take unethical advantage of this hospital, as happened in the past,” Obaid asserted.
Acknowledging the hospital's current challenges, she noted that the government inherited a broken economy. She emphasized that maximizing contributions to the health sector under these conditions remains a major challenge.
The minister highlighted the urgent need to improve hospital cleanliness, upgrade equipment, and address staffing shortages among doctors and nurses. “At the end of the day, our goal is to serve the patients,” she said.
As the newly nominated committee president, Obaid stated that transferring treatable patients to Dhaka reflects institutional inefficiency. “If we cannot address the needs of patients coming to us—whether for cardiac issues, general colds, or maternal care—then there is no justification for this management committee or my role in it,” she said.
She urged the hospital administration to work as a unified team, noting that the committee must have a clear understanding of everything happening from the hospital gates to the inner wards. Failing to monitor these operations, she warned, would mean the committee has failed.
Other speakers at the event included Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam, Medical College Principal Dilruba Zeba, District Council Administrator Afzal Hossain Khan, and District BNP Joint Convener Zulfikar Hossain.
