Minister: Manpower shortage biggest challenge in health sector
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Bangladesh, the first country to be free from malaria and filariasis
Health Minister Zahid Maleque has acknowledged that the shortage of manpower remains a major challenge in the health sector right now.
He said: “The biggest challenge in the health sector is the shortage of manpower. We are building this workforce. But it will take a huge time to create this manpower.”
The minister said this at a press conference at the secretariat on Monday.
"There are approximately 70,000 beds in the country's hospitals and we need a trained workforce to efficiently manage the hospital beds," said the minister.
“Universal health coverage is being hampered due to the absence of skilled manpower,” he added.
There is also the issue of medical expenses. Minimizing medical expenses is also a challenge, said the minister.
About 70% of people are taking services in government hospitals. They get free services.
“Very few countries in the world provide free government services, but we are giving it here in Bangladesh. We are yet to fully introduce universal health coverage. This is also a challenge. Besides, infectious diseases are increasing. It is also a challenge for the health sector of the country. But we are working to combat the challenges,” he added further.