Bangladesh launches nationwide hospital cleanliness drive, mandates biometric attendance

Bangladesh's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has initiated a nationwide cleanliness campaign across all government hospitals and health facilities. This drive, launched ahead of the government's 180-day milestone, aims to enhance hygiene standards within healthcare institutions. The campaign commenced with directives for weekly cleanup operations, particularly on Saturdays, supervised by local health officials. Hospital directors and heads of facilities are now responsible for maintaining cleanliness at all times. Higher authorities will regularly monitor compliance, with divisional directors and civil surgeons tasked to inspect district and upazila-level hospitals, respectively. These inspections will include submitting detailed reports with photographic evidence to senior health officials, including the health minister. Furthermore, the DGHS has mandated the implementation of biometric attendance systems in all health service institutions by August 17. Failure to comply with this deadline will result in the heads of the respective institutions being held accountable. This initiative underscores a push for improved operational efficiency and accountability within the public health sector.

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Under the directive, directors of medical colleges and specialised hospitals have been instructed to conduct cleanliness drives every Saturday and ensure that their facilities remain clean at all times.