There are no unauthorised clinics in Dhaka, says health minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque told parliament today that there are no unauthorised clinics operating in the capital.

In reply to lawmakers' queries, the minister said, if an unauthorised private clinic is found, necessary measures are taken as per the rules, including halting the clinic's operation via mobile court with aid of law enforcement agencies.

With Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair, the question-answer session of today's parliament sitting was tabled.

In response to the question from ruling Awami League MP M Abdul Latif, the health minister said the process of starting the geriatric department for the treatment of the elderly in the medical college hospitals of the divisional cities across the country has begun.

Activities will soon start to provide modern medical care to patients aged 65 years and above at this department.

In response to AL MP Habib Hasan's question, the health minister said the number of approved private hospitals and clinics in Dhaka city is 484.

In reply to another question from AL MP Anwarul Abedin Khan, Zahid Maleque said the government has a plan to increase the number of beds in all upazila health complexes in the country.

He said the upazila hospital is being upgraded from 31 to 50 beds. Already five upazila health complexes have been upgraded to 100 beds. The government plans to upgrade all the 50-bed upazila hospitals to 100 beds in light of the requirement in phases.

In response to a question from Didarul Alam, Zahid Maleque said that the government has taken up the project of establishing one full-fledged cancer hospital in each divisional city where it will be possible to ensure the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients of all ages, including children.