State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Friday said public hospitals could provide effective healthcare services even with limited budget allocations if corruption, misappropriation and lack of accountability are eliminated.
She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception organised by Faridpur Medical College Hospital following her appointment as chairperson of the hospital's management committee.
The programme was held at the hospital's auditorium around 11:30 am.
"There are certainly budget constraints at Faridpur Medical College Hospital. In fact, budget limitations exist across the country," she said.
"However, if we can stop corruption, prevent misuse of resources and ensure accountability, the allocated budget can be used effectively to run hospitals and provide services."
Shama Obaed said no one should be allowed to use political influence to secure unethical benefits from the hospital.
"A political party is currently in government, but I will ensure that no one can exert political influence to gain undue advantages in the hospital, unlike what happened in the past," she said.
Referring to the country's economic situation, the state minister said the current government inherited a fragile economy from the previous administration.
"Despite these challenges, ensuring the highest possible contribution to the health sector remains a major challenge for all of us," she said.
Shama Obaed stressed the need to improve cleanliness, medical equipment, staffing and overall management at the hospital.
"We need to address shortages of doctors, nurses and other personnel. At the end of the day, our goal is to provide quality services to patients," she added.
As the newly appointed chairperson of the hospital's management committee, she said patients should not have to be referred to Dhaka because of shortcomings in treatment facilities at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
"If patients are transferred due to our inability to provide treatment, it reflects a weakness in the institution. Of course, referrals are necessary if a case is beyond our capacity," she said.
Whether it is a heart patient, someone with a common illness or a woman seeking specialised care, the hospital must be able to address patients' needs, she added.
"If we cannot respond to the problems of people seeking treatment here, then I see little reason for me to remain as chairperson, and there would be little purpose for the management committee as well," she said.
The state minister said the primary responsibility of the management committee is to ensure that the hospital functions properly.
"To run a hospital effectively, everyone must work together as a team. The management committee must be aware of everything happening from the hospital gate to the wards. Otherwise, it has failed in its responsibility," she added.
Among others, Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam, Principal of Faridpur Medical College Dilruba Zeba, Hospital Director Humayun Kabir, District Council Administrator Afzal Hossain Khan and Faridpur District BNP Joint Convener Zulfikar Hossain addressed the programme.