Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon spoke at an exchanged views meeting at the auditorium of SBMCH. Photo : BSS

BARISHAL, July 27, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today asked or taking a long-term and effective strategic action plan to improve the quality of healthcare services at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH).

He said the hospital system could be significantly strengthened by ensuring modern medical equipment, skilled manpower, digital healthcare services, accountability, and a patient-friendly environment.

The minister made the remarks while presiding over an exchange-of-views meeting with administrative officials of the health department, physicians, nurses, officers and employees of the hospital at the auditorium of SBMCH.

He said the government is implementing various development initiatives to bring quality healthcare services to people's doorsteps. 

To make these initiatives successful, officials, physicians and other healthcare workers must work in close coordination, he said.

The minister added that ensuring transparency, good governance and technology-driven services in hospital management would enable people to receive faster and better-quality healthcare.
He further said that a hospital is not merely a place for treatment but a center of public trust. Therefore, he said, alongside the sincerity and professional competence of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, transparency, accountability and good governance in hospital management are essential to ensuring safe, prompt and quality medical services for patients.

The minister also said public expectations must be met, adding that there is no alternative to honesty, accountability and effective service delivery in earning people's confidence. 

Alongside implementing development plans, equal importance should be given to addressing people's day-to-day problems, he said adding public welfare remains the government's highest priority in every initiative.

SBMCH Director Brigadier General Dr. AKM Mashiul Munir,  Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Principal Prof Dr Md Anwar Hossain, Divisional Health Office Deputy Director Dr. Mohammad Lokman Hakim and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital Deputy Director Dr AKM Nazmul Ahsan also spoke on the occasion.