Prime Minister Orders Quick Launch of Six Unused Children’s Hospitals

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to quickly operationalize six unused children’s hospitals built in different regions of the country.

The move came after a newspaper report published on April 12 titled “Six Children’s Hospitals Built at a Cost of Tk 320 Crore Remain Unused” drew the Prime Minister’s attention.

According to the report, modern hospital buildings had been constructed in Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet and Cumilla, but the facilities remained unused for years.

Following the report, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency meeting with Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr. M A Muhith, Health Ministry Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and other relevant officials.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed officials to immediately inspect the hospitals and take necessary steps to make them operational as quickly as possible. He also directed the authorities to submit a progress report by June 2, 2026.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Zahidul Islam Rony confirmed the matter.

The meeting also discussed the partially operational Kushtia Medical College Hospital. The Prime Minister directed that the 500-bed hospital be fully operational soon.

He also instructed the authorities to quickly launch the Super Specialized Hospital under Bangladesh Medical University at Shahbagh along with other pending hospital projects.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister directed officials to expedite work on the proposed 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital in Nilphamari by engaging the Chinese Embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The hospital is expected to be constructed in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila as part of the government’s election pledge to establish modern secondary healthcare units in every district.

Health Ministry Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said that nearly 20 million people in northern Bangladesh, especially in Rangpur Division, suffer from limited healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of skilled medical personnel.

He added that the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital would serve as a major regional referral center and described the expansion of advanced healthcare services in northern Bangladesh as a timely and strategic initiative.