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Bangladesh is significantly expanding its public healthcare infrastructure by adding more than 1,000 new hospital beds across the nation. This move by the health ministry aims to bolster capacity and meet the increasing demand for medical treatment.

Administrative approval has already been granted for 365 additional beds in three public hospitals, alongside the operationalization of a 20-bed trauma center. Furthermore, the ministry is preparing to approve another 700 beds for four children's hospitals located in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Cumilla. These new facilities are expected to become operational within the next six months.

Cumulatively, these additions will bring the total number of approved beds in 17 public hospitals to 2,161 since the current government assumed office. Specific approvals include 100 new intensive care unit (ICU) beds for Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, increasing its total capacity to 1,300 beds, and 150 beds for Joypurhat General Hospital, raising its capacity to 400.

Despite the expansion in bed capacity, concerns persist regarding the potential impact on patient care due to significant staffing shortages. According to health ministry data, approximately 9,407 doctor positions, representing about 23 percent of sanctioned roles in public hospitals, remain vacant. The operationalization of several children's hospitals, completed over a year ago, has been delayed due to a lack of manpower and essential equipment, though steps are now being taken to make them functional.