Licenses to be cancelled if labour rooms not set up in clinics by Saturday: Health Minister

In a bid tTo reduce the trend of unnecessary cesarean operations, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has ordered all private clinics in the country to set up labour rooms (normal delivery rooms) by next Saturday. 

He said that if this directive is not implemented within the stipulated time, the licenses of the concerned clinics will be cancelled and the institutions will be closed.

He made the announcement at a workshop organised by the Bangladesh Midwifery Society (BMS) at a hotel in the capital on Monday morning.

The Health Minister said that the rate of unnecessary cesarean operations in the country has increased alarmingly. To control this trend, labour rooms must be ensured in every private clinic to increase the chances of normal delivery. 

The Health Ministry will take a strict stance on this issue.

He also said that initiatives are being taken to make the appointment of midwives mandatory in all private clinics. Through this, pregnant women will get necessary advice and services at the local level and will be encouraged to have normal deliveries.

The Minister said that the role of skilled midwives is very important in ensuring the safety of mothers and newborns. If their involvement in maternity services is increased, it will be possible to reduce unnecessary cesarean operations, he added.

The speakers at the workshop emphasised on further strengthening the role of midwives in improving maternal health, ensuring safe childbirth and creating an environment for normal childbirth.