Dr. Shafiq calls health sector situation a disaster

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has described the current situation in the country’s health sector as a ‘disaster’. He made these comments while talking to reporters after visiting the Bangladesh Children’s Hospital and Institute in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Saturday (April 18). The opposition leader said that the main goal of Jamaat’s politics is not to be a spectator during a crisis, but to come forward to provide solutions. He said, ‘We will not whistle when Rome burns, but rather try to put out the fire.’
The opposition leader said, ‘What I saw when I came to see the measles situation is worrying. The number of patients is more than the beds in the hospital. The entire health sector is currently in a state of turmoil. Hospitals are no longer service institutions, but are comparable to markets.’ This specialized children’s hospital in the country still does not have important testing facilities like MRI and CT scan. There is no intensive care unit (ICU) for measles treatment. As a result, seriously ill children have to be sent abroad, which is a big risk to their lives. However, when government ministers speak in parliament, they say that there are no problems in the country. But when we go to society, we see mountains of problems.’
Criticizing the overall health sector of the country, the Jamaat Ameer said, ‘The entire health sector is now a disaster. What I saw when I went to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital a few days ago, it is better to call it a ‘market’ rather than a hospital. There are 3000-3700 patients admitted there against 1000 beds. There is no necessary manpower and logistical support. Education and health – these are the two sectors in which we have been ignored and insulted the most.’
Expressing concern over the budget cuts, he said that although Tk 300 crore was allocated for the children’s hospital earlier, it was reduced to Tk 280 crore last year. On the other hand, while talking to media personnel after visiting a petrol pump at Asad Gate in the capital yesterday afternoon, the opposition leader urged the government to publish accurate information about fuel oil. He expressed regret that ordinary people have to wait for hours for oil, getting sunburned and drenched in rain.