Health Hubs to Reshape Rural Healthcare, Says Health Minister

The government is planning to overhaul grassroots healthcare infrastructure to ensure better medical services for people in remote and underserved communities. Under the plan, a “Health Hub” will be established in every union, while a “Health Wellbeing Centre” will be set up for every three wards.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced the plan on Sunday (August 23) while visiting the Joypurhat 400-bed General Hospital.

The minister said health and family-planning services will be brought under one roof at the proposed Health Hubs, where doctors will be posted. Health workers will also visit households to check blood pressure and diabetes and conduct early screening for breast and cervical cancer.

Expansion of hospital services

The government is also increasing the capacity of upazila hospitals to 151 beds and introducing dialysis services.

According to the minister, 10 dialysis machines will be installed at district hospitals, while 50 machines will be installed at district-headquarters hospitals.

Regarding shortages of medical-college teachers and ICU services, Sakhawat Hossain said teachers would be recruited and trained quickly, while closed ICUs and new medical colleges would be brought into operation.

He warned that negligence of duty would not be tolerated, even as the quality and scope of healthcare services are improved.

The minister said the government expects to implement these plans within the next two to three years.

Local senior health officials and doctors, including District Commissioner Al Mamun Mia, Civil Surgeon Dr Al Mamun, and Superintendent of Joypurhat 400-bed General Hospital Dr Rashed Mobarak Jewel, were present during the visit.