Corruptionists in health sector to face stern action

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim yesterday warned that stern actions would be taken against those to be found involved in corruption in health sector organisations.

The cabinet approved in principle the draft law to upgrade Chittagong Medical College and Rajshahi Medical College into universities, Nasim told parliament while replying to lawmakers' queries.

He said out of 8,340 posts, around 3,393 posts of doctors remain vacant in public medical colleges adding that the government is trying to fill up these vacant posts.

The health minister said two more new state-run medical colleges -- one in Mugda of Dhaka and another in Habiganj -- will be opened next academic year. He said the government gave permission to set up 66 more private medical colleges in the country.

Nasim said the government would undertake various health programmes for the enclave people after implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement with India. 

The minister said budget allocation for health sector is decreasing every year.