Government is following a zero-tolerance policy in the health sector: Health Minister

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​News Desk: Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sarder Md. Sakhawat Hossain stated that the current government has taken multi-faceted steps to build a transparent, accountable, and people-oriented healthcare system. The government is pursuing a 'zero-tolerance' policy to make the health sector completely user-friendly and corruption-free.

​He shared this information today in the Parliament while replying to a starred question tabled by government party member Jashim Uddin Ahmed from the Chattogram-14 constituency.

​The Minister said that the government's efforts to ensure quality healthcare at the doorsteps of the people are ongoing. Several important initiatives are being implemented to prevent broker syndicates and corruption in the health sector.

​He informed that digitalization has been strengthened at every level of healthcare to improve the quality of service and reduce the interference of middlemen. The 'Supply Chain Management System' has been modernized to centrally monitor the medicine supply system.

​The Health Minister noted that the scope of telemedicine services has been expanded to easily deliver healthcare to the public. As a result, harassment of patients has decreased, and consulting with specialist doctors has become easier.

​He further mentioned that strong monitoring committees have been formed to gather patient feedback and regularly oversee the quality of service in hospitals. Administrative action is being taken against those involved if any irregularities or service deviations are detected.

​The Minister also highlighted the government's strict surveillance to control the prices of essential medicines. He stated that work is underway to amend necessary policies to keep profiteering syndicates in check.

​Sarder Md. Sakhawat Hossain informed that the work of creating health cards or an integrated health database for every citizen of the country is progressing phase by phase. This will help reduce harassment in receiving healthcare and ensure swift service.

​He added that regular drives are being conducted in coordination with the local administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a broker-free environment in healthcare institutions.