“Works in the health sector have gained pace. A new committee has been formed for monitoring hospital services while a task force to look into the irregularities in hospitals and clinics. So, wherever there’ll be any irregularity, there’ll be immediate action,” he said.

The minister came up with the warning while talking to reporters after attending the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) of eight divisions under the Health Ministry, held at its conference room.

The country’s health sector is no longer in fragile condition, but people will lose their trust in Bangladesh’s health system and go abroad for treatment if this sector is always criticised.

“This will benefit the health sector of other countries and Bangladesh’s health sector will be affected despite having all the facilities,” he said.

Talking about coronavirus situation, Zahid said every country, including the USA, is now struggling to tackle the virus but the mortality rate in Bangladesh is still the lowest among the countries that reported low Covid-19 death rates.

Turning to the country’s health sector situation, the minister said, “Focus needs to be given on the success we’ve achieved in this sector alongside criticisms. Medical services are available in all districts, upazilas and villages of the country. Besides, medical colleges, medical universities and medical institutes are also available in Bangladesh,” he said.

The government has taken steps to build medical universities, medical colleges in every division and every district while work on building eight hospitals for providing cancer-related treatment is underway, he said.

Besides, the work to appoint 10,000 physicians and 15,000 nurses is underway, said Zahid.

Health Secretary Abdul Mannan and heads of eight departments under the Health Ministry were present at the programme.