Govt to Upgrade 492 Upazila Hospitals Nationwide

The government has launched a nationwide initiative to upgrade 492 upazila health complexes from 50-bed facilities to 101-bed hospitals to strengthen healthcare services across the country, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the minister said the move follows directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to improve healthcare access and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

“Eight upazilas already have 100-bed hospitals. The remaining 492 upazila health complexes will be upgraded to 101-bed facilities,” he said.

The minister said officials from the Public Works Department have already been deployed nationwide to assess infrastructure needs, while relevant ministries have been instructed to ensure adequate manpower, medical equipment and logistical support.

As part of efforts to expand rehabilitation services, the government plans to appoint one male and one female physiotherapist at each upgraded hospital to improve access to physiotherapy care in rural areas.

The minister also announced plans to open five specialised 200-bed children’s hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Cumilla within the next six months. The hospitals will include intensive care units (ICUs), modern medical equipment and central air-conditioning systems.

According to the minister, procurement processes for furniture and medical equipment are underway, while steps are being taken to recruit the required workforce.

The government is also considering establishing five specialised hospitals exclusively for women and plans to improve accommodation facilities for doctors and medical students at Dhaka Medical College Hospital through a new residential complex project.

In addition, unsafe and ageing structures at Mitford Hospital are set to be replaced with modern facilities, while Bangladesh and China are jointly planning to establish five advanced 1,000-bed hospitals in major cities or nearby areas.

The minister said the government remains committed to improving healthcare services nationwide through expanded infrastructure, modern facilities and increased medical staffing.