Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain-File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Newly appointed Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said that making the ministry free from corruption is his top priority. 

“Corruption will not be tolerated in the ministry,” he said while speaking at his office on his first working day after assuming office as a minister at Bangladesh Secretariat here.

“I will dismantle all the syndicates within the ministry, no corruption will be allowed here. No work will be done under pressure from anyone. I will work for the welfare of the people. Making the ministry corruption-free is my priority.” he added.

The minister said he has no personal greed or vested interests.

 If there is a manpower shortage in the health sector, decisions will be taken after discussions with the Prime Minister to resolve the problem, he added. 

He said that within the next one month, doctors’ punctual attendance at their workplaces will be ensured. 

“If office hours start at 9:00 am, doctors cannot arrive at 12:00 pm,” he said. He also announced that he will begin visiting hospitals within seven days.

 Surprise inspections will be conducted and necessary actions will be taken against the doctors who will fail to report on time, he said.

“I want to ensure that healthcare services reach the doorsteps of the people. Due to a lack of confidence in the health sector, many patients seek treatment abroad. Improving standards is essential to reduce this tendency.

 If quality improves, fewer people will feel the need to go overseas for treatment,” he opined.
 
He also said that alongside fully utilizing the existing structure, the new government will develop additional frameworks to make healthcare services more accessible to the public, particularly in the rural areas.

Earlier, on the first working day of the new government, the Health Minister and State Minister M A Muhit exchanged greetings with officials of the ministry.

The Health Minister greeted officials in his office and later visited different departments of the ministry.

Secretary of the ministry Saidur Rahman and other officials were present on the occasion.