Health Minister Orders Action Over Irregularities During Surprise Visit to Gaibandha Hospital

Gaibandha: Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain conducted a surprise inspection of Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex in Gaibandha, ordering disciplinary action against a healthcare worker over allegations of negligence and directing that a patient be reimbursed for the cost of a vaccine.
During the visit on Sunday, a patient named Shamsunnahar, who had been bitten by a dog, complained that despite the hospital having anti-rabies vaccine in stock, the on-duty Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer (SACMO) instructed her to purchase the vaccine from an outside pharmacy. She said she spent Tk 1,030 to buy the vaccine before receiving treatment.

After hearing the complaint, the minister expressed dissatisfaction and immediately phoned Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Masudur Rahman Akand, directing him to initiate disciplinary action against SACMO Hedayetul Islam Chowdhury for allegedly forcing the patient to buy the vaccine externally despite its availability at the hospital.

The Health Minister also instructed hospital authorities to reimburse the patient for the money she spent on purchasing the vaccine.

As part of his inspection, the minister visited the hospital's emergency department, patient wards, medicine store, and kitchen facilities. He also examined the quality of meals prepared for patients and reviewed the overall standard of healthcare services.

Following the hospital visit, he inspected a private clinic and a diagnostic centre in the area, issuing necessary instructions to the respective authorities.