Opposition leader decries ‘disaster’ in health sector

The nation’s health sector is in a state of disaster, opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday after visiting the country’s only specialized children’s hospital in the capital.

Speaking to reporters following his inspection of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dr. Shafiqur said the facility lacks critical diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scans, putting seriously ill children at risk. Hospital Chairman, Director and other senior officials were present during the visit.

Founded in 1972 with 50 beds, the hospital now has 700 beds. However, Dr. Shafiqur said the growing number of complex cases referred from across the country has forced authorities to turn away many patients due to overcrowding.

While he described the hospital’s cleanliness as satisfactory, he said it faces severe shortages in infrastructure and medical equipment.

Although the hospital has neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, it does not have in-house MRI or CT scan facilities. Critically ill children must be sent elsewhere for these tests, a process he described as highly risky. In many cases, he said, patients cannot be transferred due to their condition, hampering proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Shafiqur said the annual allocation was reduced from taka 30 crore to taka 28 crore last year. He questioned why funding was cut despite an overall increase in the national budget, adding that his party would raise the issue in parliament and demand increased allocations for children’s healthcare.

Criticizing the broader healthcare system, Dr. Shafiqur said recent visits to other public hospitals revealed alarming conditions. Referring to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, he said the 1,000-bed facility often accommodates between 3,000 and 3,700 patients, with insufficient manpower and logistical support. He alleged that both the health and education sectors have faced prolonged neglect.

During the visit, hospital authorities also informed him of the need for a bronchoscope. Dr. Shafiqur said his party would attempt to provide one from its own resources, stressing that political responsibility extends beyond government funding to personal initiatives for public welfare.

He also expressed concern over the country’s measles situation, saying the number of patients exceeds available beds. He claimed that despite government plans on paper, essential facilities such as ICU support for measles patients were not found at the hospital. Emergency situations do not come with advance notice, he said, but the government’s preparedness suggests complacency.

Dr. Shafiqur pledged to raise public health concerns in parliament, accusing ruling party lawmakers of downplaying existing problems. He said the current crisis in the healthcare system requires urgent attention and accountability.