The government plans to recruit one lakh health workers to expand healthcare services to the grassroots level, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit said on Thursday.
The move is part of a broader initiative to improve rural healthcare and ensure better access to medical services nationwide.
The state minister made the announcement during a visit to the Sirajganj 250-bed General Hospital, where he also inspected facilities and interacted directly with patients.
“Healthcare has been given the highest priority in our election manifesto. Alongside budget increases, we aim to bring medical services to the grassroots, and all newly recruited health workers will receive proper training to enhance care delivery,” he said.
MA Muhit highlighted systemic challenges, including staff shortages, misuse by middlemen, and illegal structures around hospital premises.
“These problems cannot be solved simply by directives from Dhaka. Today, I came to see firsthand how much the authorities can improve. Regular monitoring and accountability are key to raising service standards,” he added.
The state minister acknowledged that patients sometimes do not receive proper treatment due to staff shortages or absenteeism. He also criticised entrenched corruption in the healthcare sector over the past 17 years and called for societal action to ensure citizens’ rights. “To restore trust and ensure fair access, we must create a system where every citizen’s rights are protected. The government and political parties are committed to this mission,” he said.
During the visit, MA Muhit inspected hospital facilities, including patient wards and bathrooms, and spoke with patients about their concerns.
Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam, General Secretary of Sirajganj BNP Saidur Rahman Bacchu; Hospital Director Dr Aqikun Nahar and Resident Medical Officer Dr Shimul Talukdar were also present at the time.
