Health Minister Sardar Md Shakhawat Hossain has issued a stern warning of strict legal action against those responsible for the deaths of six newborns at a hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka, citing professional negligence.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to journalists after inspecting Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital in Kishoreganj.
“Six lives have been lost due to the negligence of the Moghbazar hospital authorities,” the minister said, adding that an investigation committee has already been formed to probe the incident.
He said appropriate action would be taken against all those found guilty following the inquiry.
Responding to questions from journalists, the minister alleged that the health sector had suffered from widespread mismanagement and “looting” during the tenure of both the previous government and the interim administration.
He also linked the recent rise in measles infections across the country to systemic failures in the healthcare system.
Earlier in the day, the Health Minister conducted surprise visits to several healthcare facilities in Kishoreganj.
During his visit to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital, he inspected ward conditions, the quality of medical services and food provided to patients. He also spoke directly with patients and their relatives to assess service delivery at the hospital.
The minister was accompanied by Mazharul Islam, Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-1; Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin; Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman; Zila Parishad Administrator Khaled Saifullah Sohel; and Hospital Director Saiful Islam.
Local administration officials and leaders from various wings of the BNP were also present during the visit.
In the morning, the minister also inspected Pakundia and Hossainpur Upazila Health Complexes. He is scheduled to visit Katiadi Upazila Health Complex before returning to Dhaka later in the day.
