Highlights:
- Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain expressed strong anger over the deaths of 33 children at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
- He accused the hospital director of hiding the shortage of ICU ventilators.
- The minister said emergency ventilators are now being arranged through private support.
Speaking at a medical ethics event in Shahbagh, the minister expressed outrage over the deaths of children at Rajshahi Medical. He said:
“১১ দিনে ৩৩ জন শিশু মারা গেছে রাজশাহী মেডিকেলে। অথচ সেখানকার পরিচালক আমাদের জানাননি যে তার কাছে ভেন্টিলেটর নেই। তাকে ফাঁসির কাষ্ঠে চড়ানো উচিত।”
Translation: “Thirty-three children died in 11 days at Rajshahi Medical. Yet the director did not inform us that there were no ventilators. He should be hanged for this.”
Hospital Director Initially Denied the Crisis
Health Minister said he contacted the medical college director after seeing media reports. Initially, the director claimed the reports were exaggerated. He said,
“আমি ফোন করার পর তিনি দাবি করেন, মিডিয়া a কাজে লাগিয়ে আজ জরুরি ভিত্তিতে তিনটি ভেন্টিলেটর কিনে দেওয়া হচ্ছে।”
Translation: “It is difficult to procure them quickly through government processes… Using personal contacts, three ventilators are being purchased urgently today.”
Health Minister added that efforts are ongoing to arrange two more ventilators.
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Minister Raises Broader Concerns About Medical Ethics
While discussing professional conduct, the minister stressed that patients place deep trust in doctors. The deaths of 33 children due to a ventilator shortage have raised serious concerns about hospital management, crisis communication, and accountability in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The minister’s strong language and emergency response highlight the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent reforms.
Source: Daily Star
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