File photo.
54 officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have been assigned the responsibility of inspecting and monitoring hospitals to improve the quality of healthcare services, maintain administrative discipline, and ensure the quality of public services in government hospitals across the country.
In an office order issued on September 30 by the Administration-1 Branch of the Health Services Department, these officers were tasked with inspecting various medical colleges, specialized, general, district and upazila hospitals in the country.
According to the office order, officers of the rank of Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary and Deputy Secretary have been given the responsibility of supervising specific hospitals and hospitals in different districts and divisions. Some officers have also been given additional responsibility of hospitals in one district as well as in another district.
The order states that the responsible officials will take necessary initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare in coordination with the heads of the hospitals concerned regarding manpower, cleanliness, medical equipment, infrastructure development, security and overall management of the districts, upazilas and hospitals under their jurisdiction.
They will have to regularly monitor the digital attendance of doctors and health workers in their hospitals. Attendance information and reports will also have to be submitted to the relevant authorities.
In addition, the responsible officers have been asked to play a role in ensuring the progress of vaccination programs, infectious disease prevention and public awareness activities in coordination with the concerned officials including the Deputy Commissioner, Civil Surgeon, Upazila Executive Officer and Upazila Health and Family Welfare Officer.
The office order also includes instructions to participate in and provide necessary assistance in public health service-related activities, including maternal and child health, elderly health care, and nutrition activities.