State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhit conducted a surprise video call on Monday, 23 March, to assess the actual state of healthcare services during the Eid holidays at Zakiganj Upazila Health Complex.
At around 12:15 pm, he connected live from Sirajganj and observed medical services from the hospital’s emergency department to its indoor wards. To evaluate ongoing treatment services, the minister spoke with staff across all sections, from emergency to inpatient care.
However, during the video call, none of the four doctors scheduled to be on duty were found present. He spoke with nurses and patients and instructed the authorities to investigate the absence of the physicians.
Despite this, he exchanged Eid greetings with those who were providing medical services while staying away from their families during the holiday. He then directed hospital staff to immediately provide a live visual walkthrough of healthcare services via the video call.
Encouraging healthcare workers, Dr. M A Muhit said, “You are the reliance of people in this remote area. The government acknowledges your sacrifices.” At the same time, he ordered an inquiry into the absence of the doctors.
Through the video call, the minister also spoke with nurses in the emergency department and general patients, issuing strict instructions to ensure that grassroots-level citizens receive timely and proper healthcare services.
He further stated that the government has already finalized a landmark roadmap to bring primary healthcare services up to global standards. He also highlighted the commitment to building a healthier Bangladesh by introducing a ‘Health Card’ system for every citizen.
Sector insiders believe that while the video call exposed the ongoing challenge of doctor shortages at the grassroots level during the Eid holidays, the minister’s sudden intervention could enhance accountability in healthcare services. According to them, the initiative was not merely symbolic but effectively revealed the ground realities of the healthcare system, potentially increasing administrative pressure to ensure doctors’ presence and improve service quality in the future.
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