DGHS issues nationwide emergency health directives for election period

Health authorities yesterday issued a set of emergency instructions to be enforced nationwide from February 10 to 15 -- aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and prompt emergency response.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued directives ahead of the general election scheduled to be held on February 12, DGHS Director (hospital) Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan confirmed to The Daily Star today.

The directives were given to all directors of medical colleges and specialised hospitals, divisional directors, superintendents of district hospitals, civil surgeons, upazila health and family planning officers and president or general secretary of the Bangladesh Private Hospital/Clinic and Diagnostic Centres Owners Association.

Under the directives, medical teams will be formed at all administrative levels -- six in each city corporation, four at the divisional level, three at the district level, two at the upazila level and one at each union.

Heads of health institutions or administrators have been instructed to select team members based on manpower availability and local needs.

In addition, 24-hour control rooms will operate at all divisional health offices and civil surgeon offices throughout the election period to respond swiftly to any health-related emergencies.

Hospitals have also been asked to deploy additional staff in emergency departments, if necessary, while ambulances must remain on standby round the clock.

Institution heads are required to remain present at their workplaces during the election period, and if on leave, must delegate responsibility to a qualified official and inform the DGHS of the person’s name, designation and mobile number.

Private hospitals and clinics have been directed to keep emergency departments operational at all times with doctors on duty.

They must provide primary treatment before referring patients, ensure proper counselling, and keep ambulances ready for emergencies.

These facilities have also been asked to coordinate closely with government health authorities and, if needed, support divisional directors and civil surgeons with logistics, ambulances and manpower.

The directives further state that no health service institution, divisional health office, civil surgeon office or upazila health and family planning office may remain closed for more than 72 consecutive hours. Emergency units, inpatient departments, laboratories, cath labs, dialysis centres, CT scan and MRI centres are to remain open as usual.