Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to ensure desired healthcare services for the people at the hospitals of the country, reports BSS. The Prime Minister issued this directive while witnessing the presentation of a model on expansion and modernisation of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) at her office in the capital yesterday afternoon. "Our goal is to provide proper healthcare services so that the common people can get their desired treatment at the DMCH and other hospitals," she said.

Sheikh Hasina asked the authorities concerned to take necessary steps for turning the DMCH into an environment-friendly and eye-catching modern health facility of the country. In this regard, the premier mentioned that the government wants to give the DMCH a new look through its modernisation where there will be state-of-the-art facilities as well as sufficient open space.  "It's is also necessary to ensure better atmosphere and to have fire extinguishing equipment as well as quick and safe exits during any fire incident at the hospital," she added.

Elaborating steps for the health sector development, Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working relentlessly to improve the healthcare facilities and reach those at the doorsteps of the common people. She said the Awami League government established Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka during its 1996-2001 tenure.

The Prime Minister said the work on setting up two more medical universities -- one in Chittagong and another in Rajshahi -- are progressing, while steps have been taken to establish one medical university in every divisional headquarters of the country in phases. About her government's measures for expansion of medicare facilities, she said once the DMCH was the only health facility in Dhaka and there was no hospital in the private sector. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim, State Minister Zahid Malek and officials concerned were present on the occasion.