Health minister plans to set up burn centres in every district

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has announced his plans to set up burn units in every district of Bangladesh.

He made this statement on Friday after visiting the Loknath Brahmachari Ashram in Sonargaon, Narayanganj.

The health minister said: “Narayanganj is an industrial area where accidents occur frequently. Many burn patients have to go to Dhaka for treatment. Therefore, we are considering whether a burn unit can be opened in any hospital in Narayanganj. 

“The hospital doctors where the burn unit will be opened will be trained on burn injury treatment in Dhaka before the unit is operational. In addition, the government is planning to establish burn centres in every district of the country.”

Regarding irregularities in the health sector, he said: “Action will be taken if any irregularities are found. If any negligence by doctors leads to the death of a patient, action will be taken.” 

However, he advised the relatives of patients to be cautious and not to create any disorder.

The health minister said the number of burn patients increases in winter, adding that he has instructed district and divisional hospitals to be prepared for all situations.

Concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said: “If the quality of services at the grassroots improves, the number of patients in the cities will decrease. I have taken on new responsibilities and it is not possible to solve all problems in one day. The coronavirus has yet to be erased at the grassroots level in Bangladesh.” 

He also advised the elderly to avoid crowds and to use masks.