Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain has made a surprise visit to the Palash Upazila Health Complex in Narsingdi, where he found more than half of the doctors and staff absent.

The minister arrived at the hospital around 8:30am on Saturday, half an hour before the stipulated office time.

On Mar 4, the government issued a circular making office attendance mandatory from 9am to 9:40am every working day for all government officials and employees to facilitate improved services.

At the scheduled reporting time, more than half of the doctors and employees were not present, prompting the minister to express concern.

“There are 21 doctors posted at the health complex. Considering leave and other reasons, at least 16 were supposed to be present. However, I found just eight of them at work, which is very unfortunate.”

He added that doctors must play a leading role in implementing plans to ensure healthcare services reach people at their doorstep.

The minister also said that necessary action would be taken over the absences.