Only 35% of People Can Access Treatment at Government Hospitals in the Country

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Only 35 percent of people in the country can access treatment at government hospitals, while the rest rely on private hospitals, according to Major General Kazi Md. Rashid Un Nabi, Director General of the Military Medical Services (DGMS).

He made the remarks on Tuesday (September 30) while delivering the keynote speech at an event held at Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka on the occasion of World Heart Day.

Major General Rashid Un Nabi noted that while the WHO does not support floor-level treatment, limited capacity forces hospitals to provide care even on the floor. Otherwise, patients who cannot afford treatment would have nowhere to go.

Highlighting the current situation at government hospitals, he said that although Midford Hospital increased its beds from 600 to 900, infrastructure has not expanded proportionally, yet 1,400–1,600 patients are treated daily. At Dhaka Medical College, 5,000–6,000 patients may be present, with some even lying on the stairs, but they still receive care. He added that most patients at government hospitals face financial hardship.

Looking ahead, the DGMS chief stated that when the national health budget increases, patients will receive better care, making it difficult for journalists to find negative news. He criticized the media for highlighting only negative aspects of healthcare and stressed that doctors’ hard work and achievements should also be reported to encourage healthcare workers and send the right message to society.

Reflecting on his personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that a patient from Comilla was initially turned away by three hospitals but received treatment at a fourth. However, media reports only highlighted the failures of the first three hospitals. He explained that often 10-minute interviews are condensed to 30 seconds, emphasizing only negative parts. Sharing positive news would give recognition to doctors and motivate them further.

Major General Rashid Un Nabi also shared his personal dedication, noting that he took only three days off in four years during COVID-19, and praised hospital staff for their commitment. He highlighted the dedication of Hospital Director Syed, who worked daily until 10 p.m., and despite being physically fit, suffered a heart condition due to family stress but has since fully recovered with proper treatment.

In the context of World Heart Day, he emphasized the importance of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training, noting that in developed countries, it is taught at school level. Knowing CPR can save lives by enabling at least one person to provide immediate care and get the patient to a hospital.