Dhaka — The government has been contemplating the recruitment of some 100,000 health workers in line with the election pledges of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain disclosed the information in parliament on Tuesday in response to a starred question by treasury bench lawmaker Ikramul Bari Tipu of the Naogaon-4 constituency.
The questions were tabled in the House.
The minister said necessary initiatives are being taken toward the recruitment to ensure adequate manpower, improve the quality of healthcare services, and maintain continuity in health service delivery across Bangladesh.
He informed the House that a total of 2,984 assistant surgeons and 279 dental surgeons were recruited through the 48th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination on January 22 this year.
Additionally, 98 assistant surgeons (MBBS) and 22 dental surgeons were appointed through the 44th BCS, he said.
Earlier, on December 18 last year, 162 assistant surgeons (MBBS doctors) were appointed through the 27th BCS.
Replying to another question from BNP member Joynal Abedin (Feni-2), the health minister said that from fiscal year 2020–21 to date, the government allocated 4,685.22 crore taka to import and procure COVID-19 vaccines and related equipment to tackle the pandemic.
Of the total allocation, 4,394.08 crore taka was spent on vaccine procurement, 30.88 crore taka on procurement of syringes, 19.57 crore taka on transportation of vaccines and syringes, and some 99,78,980 taka on syringe shipping charges.
The minister said no complaint of malpractice has been filed with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding vaccine procurement. However, the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability. If any specific information or allegation is received, it will be properly reviewed, and necessary action will be taken.
