Hospitals must remain ready to deliver healthcare during heat wave: Samanta

Hospitals must remain ready to deliver healthcare during heat wave: Samanta

DHAKA, April 21, 2024 (BSS) – Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Professor Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, today directed the concerned authorities of the public hospitals to remain ready for extending healthcare services to people as the country is under the grip of a severe heat wave.

“The elderly and children are the most vulnerable due to the ongoing heat wave. I urge people, especially the elderly and children, to stay indoors to avoid heatstroke and other heat wave-related complications,” he told a virtual press conference at his home. ministry, an official press release said today.


Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Rokeya Sultana and Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, among others, were present on the occasion.

The Health Minister said the extreme heat wave has put the country in a catastrophic position and public hospital authorities have already been asked to stand ready to extend treatment services to the population.

“Given the health risks of school-age children, I have spoken to the Minister of Education to close educational institutions. As per the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, schools and colleges will remain closed till April 27,” he added.

Public hospitals, including Shishu Hospital, have been instructed to take special measures for children, Samanta said, adding that special beds have been set up at Dhaka North City Corporation hospitals for the elderly and children.