Healthcare system in ‘critical condition,’ says Dr Shafiqur

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday described the country’s health sector as being in a “disaster situation,” following a visit to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting the facility, he said critical gaps in diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scans are putting the lives of seriously ill children at risk.

Hospital authorities, including the chairman, director and senior officials, were present during his visit.

Originally established in 1972 with 50 beds, the hospital has expanded to 700 beds.

However, Dr Shafiqur said rising patient pressure from across the country has forced authorities to turn away many cases due to overcrowding.

He acknowledged that the hospital’s cleanliness standards were satisfactory but said it suffers from severe shortages of infrastructure, equipment and modern medical facilities.

He noted that although neonatal and pediatric intensive care units are available, the absence of in-house MRI and CT scan facilities forces critically ill children to be transported elsewhere for diagnosis - something he described as highly risky and often impossible in emergency cases.

Dr Shafiqur also raised concerns over reduced budget allocation, claiming that funding for the hospital was cut from Tk30 crore to Tk28 crore last year despite an overall increase in the national budget.

He said his party would raise the issue in parliament and push for increased allocations for child healthcare services.

Citing overcrowding in other public hospitals, he alleged systemic neglect in both the health and education sectors.

During the visit, hospital authorities reportedly requested a bronchoscope, which he said his party would try to provide through its own resources.

He also expressed concern over the spread of measles and said emergency preparedness in hospitals remains inadequate despite official plans, calling for urgent reforms and accountability in the healthcare system.