The government will arrange chambers for public hospital physicians to serve patients after office hours at their workplace premises from March 30, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said.

Initially, this will be available on a pilot basis in 20 upazila and 10 district hospitals across the country, he said.

On the basis of the response, it will gradually be implemented across the country, said the health minister, adding that doctors will practise from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Patients will get access to services ranging from minor surgeries to X-rays. Charges will be applicable for the service, the health minister said at a press briefing after a meeting at the Secretariat.

The fee is fixed at Tk 400 for professors, Tk 300 for associate professors, Tk 200 for assistant professors and Tk 150 for junior doctors.

Patients will have to pay another Tk 50 to Tk 100 for doctors' assistants including staffs and nurses.