Health minister vows to eliminate syndicates and corruption in the sector

New Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has declared that eradicating corruption and establishing a fully corruption-free Health Ministry is his top priority. 

He made this commitment during an interaction with reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.

The minister stated firmly that no syndicates will be tolerated in the Health Ministry, assuring that corruption will not be permitted and that no decisions or actions will take place under external pressure. 

His primary focus remains on advancing the welfare of the people.

Regarding concerns about manpower shortages, he indicated that a thorough verification process will determine whether genuine deficits exist in the health sector, and any necessary decisions will follow discussions with the Prime Minister if needed.

On doctor punctuality, he emphasised that physicians must strictly adhere to office hours, especially avoiding absences between 9 am and 12 pm. 

He plans to begin nationwide hospital visits within the next seven days and aims to enforce full attendance at workplaces within one month through targeted initiatives.

The minister highlighted the urgent need to restore public trust in the health sector by improving the quality of care, expressing optimism that better treatment standards would reduce ordinary citizens'—as well as ministers' and parliament members'—reliance on seeking medical treatment abroad.

Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul also committed personally to relying on the domestic healthcare system for his own needs, striving to avoid overseas treatment except in rare, highly complex cases unavailable locally.

He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to implementing the 31-point BNP declaration on health-related matters, along with the relevant commitments in the party's election manifesto.