Keep outdoor services open after Eid holidays

Outdoor services at all public hospitals will remain open the next day of Eid to minimise sufferings that the patients may encounter during the vacation.

"Ideally, outdoor should not be closed for more than 48 hours. So, we have decided to keep the outdoor open after the Eid day," said Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has instructed everyone concerned in this regard as the three-day vacation sometimes leaves the hospitals in lack of healthcare services.

Emergency medical services for 24 hours as well as indoor services would remain as usual, Dr Abul Kalam told The Daily Star yesterday.

"Usually, the hospitals see fewer patients indoors during Eid vacation. Many of the doctors and other staff also take leave. But the government wants to ensure that no-one suffers due to the vacation," he said.

If required, doctors on leave would rush to the hospital in case of any emergency, he added.

Outdoor services at the public hospitals at upazila level, union health and family welfare centres and community clinics will also remain open from 9:00am to 12:00pm after the Eid day.  

Dr Azad said non-Muslim medics and other staff had been requested not to take leave during the Eid holidays. In exchange, they could enjoy the leave anytime later as per their choice, he added.

The DGHS has also directed all the hospitals along the highways and upazila health complexes to remain adequately equipped with ambulances, doctors and medicines to address emergency services for those injured in road accidents.

All the hospitals will also provide improved diet to the patients on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, says a DGHS statement.