Two children died recently in the capital while being circumcised under anesthesia. Dr. Health Minister to take measures in this regard. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked Samant Lal Sen to show zero tolerance.
The health minister himself gave this information in a briefing after an emergency meeting held on the latest issues of the health sector in the meeting room of the health ministry at the secretariat on Sunday (February 25).
The health minister said, ‘Yesterday I met the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister told me – you have zero tolerance in this regard, if a child dies due to any kind of negligence, you will take action like you do. The Prime Minister has given me such strict instructions.
Regarding the meeting, the minister said, ‘You know that a few incidents have happened, after reviewing them, we all discussed how to bring back a fair environment. In the meantime, you know that some instructions have been given by the Department of Health, how to run the clinic, what criteria should be there.’
He said, ‘We gave this (Directorate of Health Department) last Thursday, today is Sunday. We gave it three to four days to see how it goes. I want to say clearly, I will monitor it myself.’
Dr. Samant Lal Sen said, ‘I want to tell my doctor brothers and sisters, we will operate at that place…, before the operation we have to see if there are supporting things or not. It is a place to operate or not.’
He said, ‘I have personally done a lot of operations, so I know where what is needed, what are the criteria needed to do the operation. Without them, it cannot be done under any circumstances. If anyone does not comply, (action will be taken) as per our law.’
The minister also said, ‘BMDC (Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council) is our highest court. In the meantime, I have spoken to BMDC to investigate these three issues (circumcision with anesthesia and death during endoscopy). Necessary action has been taken against anyone found guilty. I will protect the doctors, I will also protect the patients.’
When asked by reporters about the 10-point guidelines given by the health department, the health minister said, ‘I hope that in the next two-one days…, I will monitor it myself.’
Read more • 10 guidelines of the government in the management of private hospitals and clinics
He said, ‘I have told you before, I am still saying that I have zero tolerance in this regard. I will not make any concessions in this regard. Whoever has the qualification, will work according to that qualification, cannot work outside of it. It’s clear cut.’
Regarding the campaign against illegal clinics, the minister said, ‘The campaign against illegal clinics is ongoing. What happened in the past… I say I will keep it going.’
He said, ‘I went to Mymensingh that day, how many clinics left and right when I arrived. It is not possible for me alone, it will require the role of all of you, the role of local parliamentarians. Overall, if it can be carried out against it, it is possible.
At this time, an official in the Ministry of Health said that we have given a list of 127 illegal clinics to the High Court. All of them have been closed and after closing I have taken information at the field level whether they have been closed or not.
Last Thursday, the Department of Health issued 10-point instructions for the management of private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers.
