The government has initiated a major expansion plan for Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute (BSHI) aimed at significantly upgrading child healthcare services, adding new capacity and introducing modern medical facilities.
Under the Tk344.02 crore “Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Expansion Project-2,” the country’s largest specialised paediatric hospital is set to undergo a major transformation between July 2026 and June 2028.
The project includes the addition of 100 new beds and six cabins, along with five advanced operation theatres and nearly 1,400 pieces of modern medical equipment. More than 1,700 furniture items will also be procured, alongside the introduction of 36 software systems designed to automate hospital management and improve patient services.
A key feature of the plan is the vertical expansion of the hospital’s existing C-Block at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, extending the building from the fourth to the ninth floor. This will add around 4,461 square metres of floor space without requiring additional land acquisition.
Officials from the Planning Commission noted that the existing structural foundation supports vertical expansion, helping reduce construction risks and delays.
The upgrade will also strengthen specialised services in areas such as paediatric urology, kidney transplantation, surgical oncology and orthopaedics. A comprehensive paediatric cardiac care unit is planned, including a catheterisation laboratory, intensive care beds and post-operative recovery facilities.
Advanced diagnostic capabilities such as CT scan and MRI services will also be introduced to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for complex childhood diseases.
Health officials say the expansion will help reduce the need for overseas treatment by making advanced paediatric care more accessible within the country. The project aligns with the government’s broader commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare services under its election manifesto.
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve specialised child healthcare delivery in Bangladesh.
.jpg "Govt to launch new pay scale in July, strategy yet to be finalised")