Bill to improve health services for children passed

Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Bill, 2021 was passed in the parliament today, aiming to improve healthcare services for children.

The Bill, placed by Health Minister Zahid Maleque, was passed by voice vote. It was designed in line with Dhaka Children Hospital Ordinance, 2008.

Dhaka Shishu (Children's) Hospital and Bangladesh Institute of Child Health will be merged under the bill. At present, Bangladesh Institute of Child Health is the academic wing of Dhaka Shishu Hospital.

Earlier, there was no complete law or ordinance over regulation and supervision of the activities of Dhaka Shishu Hospital.

At least 30 seats would be reserved for child patients from disadvantaged families, the health minister mentioned referring to a provision of the Bill.

As per Article 21 of the draft law, there will be a 13-member board of directors to run the hospital as an autonomous body, he also said.

A director of the hospital would be the executive officer while each director would be appointed for three years, he added.