The Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) will start construction of a 150-bed burn and plastic surgery unit in September this year, said Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Samanta Lal Sen.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the hospital on Saturday, Samanta said, “We are now at the final stage. The project has already secured ECNEC approval, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit China.
“I want the prime minister to lay this new unit’s foundation stone. Hopefully, we will be able to do this when she returns home. Will try to do it this month, and begin the work as soon as possible. China is committed to complete the building within one and a half to two years.”
He added, “At the same time, we are working on manpower and equipment. As I was able to start everything together in Sheikh Hasina Burn Institute in one day, this is the target this time as well.
“This burn unit, after it is ready, will tremendously benefit Chattogram and its surrounding districts. There will be no need to run to Dhaka.”
During his inspection of CMHC, Samanta emphasised his commitment to ensuring proper patient care and the protection of medical staff.
Speaking at a meeting with hospital authorities and on-duty doctors, Dr Sen acknowledged the hospital’s pressing issues.
“With all your help, I will try my best to solve all the problems of the hospital,” he said. “I'm sad to hear that the MRI machine and CT scan equipment are damaged. Chattogram is the second largest city in Bangladesh after Dhaka. I will do whatever is necessary to fix them urgently.”
During the visit, Dr Sen highlighted a recent discussion with the Prime Minister and senior health officials.
He stated, “A few days ago, I met the Prime Minister with the officials of the ministry and the Director General of Health Services. We presented a comprehensive overview of the health sector and engaged in a detailed, open discussion.
“If we can work according to the procedure, the health sector will surely improve.”
