Bangladesh’s health authorities have ordered the suspension of all leave for doctors and healthcare personnel nationwide as the country responds to a growing measles outbreak affecting children.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed that the directive, issued on April 2, applies to all categories of staff working under the agency, including physicians, administrative officials, and frontline health workers across affiliated institutions.
Officials say the measure is intended to maintain uninterrupted medical services while strengthening efforts to contain the spread of the disease. The outbreak has been compounded by cases of measles-related pneumonia, raising concern among public health authorities about the potential strain on healthcare facilities.
According to the directive, signed by DGHS Director (Administration) Professor Dr Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, the temporary suspension of leave is part of an emergency response strategy. The order ensures that sufficient personnel remain available to manage patient care and support expanded immunisation activities.
A spokesperson for the DGHS said the decision reflects the urgency of the situation, particularly in safeguarding children who are most vulnerable to complications from measles.
Health officials are now focusing on accelerating vaccination campaigns and improving case management as part of a coordinated national response. The duration of the leave suspension will depend on how quickly the outbreak is brought under control.
The move signals an intensified effort by authorities to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further escalation, as Bangladesh’s healthcare system works to manage both routine services and the demands of the current public health emergency.
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