Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday announced that Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital will be upgraded to a 500-bed facility.

He made the announcements after visiting the hospital in his constituency around 9:00am. The minister inspected different wards of the hospital and later briefed local journalists.

Mirza Fakhrul, also Secretary General of the ruling BNP, said the hospital appeared clean and well-maintained, but stressed that its management system needs to be further strengthened to ensure better services.

During the visit, he asked Hospital Superintendent Dr Firoz Jewel to submit a list of requirements needed to provide maximum healthcare services to the people, assuring him of necessary support.

He said that the quality of healthcare services could be significantly improved if doctors, nurses and other staff members perform their duties properly.

The minister also advised the Civil Surgeon to take a proactive role in making the district's overall healthcare system more efficient and public-friendly.

He further said a medical college would be established in the district soon, expressing optimism that Thakurgaon's health sector would see substantial improvement.