Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Saturday warned that officials who fail to perform their duties on time will be held accountable, emphasising that negligence in healthcare services for grassroots communities will not be tolerated.
The minister made the remarks during an unannounced inspection at Palash Upazila Health Complex in the morning.
Arriving around 8:30am, he aimed to assess staff attendance and the overall quality of medical services.
Without following formal protocols, Sakhawat Hossain entered the hospital while patients were already gathering, immediately reviewing the attendance register and duty roster.
He expressed concern after discovering that several doctors and staff members were absent during their scheduled shifts.
During his visit, the minister also inspected the emergency department, outpatient department, and pathology laboratory. He instructed hospital authorities to ensure proper hygiene, maintain sufficient medical supplies, and improve patient care standards.
Speaking directly with patients waiting for services, the minister listened to their complaints and reiterated that any lapse in providing quality healthcare to the public would not be tolerated.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ishtiaq Ahmed, former vice chairman and Ghorashal Municipality unit BNP president Alam Molla, and Upazila Family Planning Officer Dr Atikul Islam were present during the inspection.
This surprise visit comes as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve accountability and service delivery in rural healthcare facilities.
