In a commitment to healthcare equity, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen announced on Sunday his plans to extend vital health services to marginalised communities. This initiative is a significant step towards transforming the medical experience for the underprivileged.
During a press interaction following his office assumption at the Secretariat, the health minister emphasized his dedication to this cause. “I will try my level best to ensure that healthcare reaches the marginalised. Our goal is to prevent situations where people are compelled to receive medical treatment on hospital floors in Dhaka,” he stated.
The minister outlined a hands-on approach to understanding and addressing the challenges faced in hospitals. “I plan to personally visit all hospitals, assess the issues firsthand, and develop action plans. I want an open-door policy in my ministry, inviting feedback and suggestions from both internal staff and the public, without any formalities or protocol barriers,” he elaborated.
Addressing the persistent issue of corruption within the ministry, Samanta Lal declared a zero-tolerance stance. “Corruption hinders our progress and will not be tolerated. We must root it out to ensure efficient and fair healthcare delivery,” he asserted.
He also acknowledged the reluctance among physicians for rural postings. “Understanding and addressing the reasons behind this reluctance is crucial. We will engage in dialogues with the physicians and consider various factors before implementing solutions,” he added.
On January 11, Dr Samanta Lal Sen, the former coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, was appointed as the minister of Health and Family Welfare. He has been assigned this role as a technocrat minister in the new government.
In 2018, the Bangla Academy awarded Samanta Lal Sen an honorary fellowship for his special contribution to medical service.
He was born in Habiganj district on November 24 in 1949 and he passed his MBBS from the Chittagong Medical College in 1973. In 1980, he obtained a Diploma in Specialized Surgery from Vienna, Austria. Later, he received further training in surgery in Germany and England.
