Health minister's surprise visit finds doctors absent at Narsingdi health complex

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bakul paid a surprise visit to Palash Upazila Health Complex in Narsingdi this morning and found several doctors and staff absent from their duties.

The minister arrived at the hospital around 8:30am without prior notice, aiming to assess the punctuality of doctors and the overall quality of healthcare services at the government facility.

Upon entering the hospital, the minister immediately inspected the attendance register and duty roster to verify whether physicians and staff members had reported to work on time.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the minister told reporters he found only eight, out of 21 doctors on roster, were present at the time of inspection. Five were on leave due to sickness and scheduled day-offs, while two doctors were late to join their shifts, he told reporters after the inspection, he said.

He instructed hospital authorities to ensure that all officials perform their duties properly and maintain strict adherence to office hours.

During the visit, the minister also toured the emergency department, pathology laboratory, and outpatient department of the hospital.

He directed hospital officials to ensure proper cleanliness and maintain adequate stocks of medicines for patients.

The minister also spoke directly with patients waiting in line and listened to their complaints and concerns regarding healthcare services.

He said that any negligence in providing healthcare services to grassroots people would not be tolerated.

During the visit, Palash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ishtiaq Ahmed, Ghorashal Poura BNP President and former Vice Chairman Alam Molla, and Upazila Family Planning Officer Dr Atikul Islam, amongst others, were present.