The government has decided to upgrade all existing 50-bed upazila-level hospitals to 101-bed facilities, aiming to improve public access to healthcare services across the country.

The decision was taken yesterday, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the relevant ministries to take the necessary steps for its implementation, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said today.

Speaking at his office at the Secretariat, the minister said eight upazila health complexes have already been upgraded to 100-bed hospitals.

"The remaining 492 hospitals will be turned into 101-bed facilities," he said.

According to the minister, the Public Works Department will assess infrastructure requirements, while the health ministry will arrange the necessary manpower. The prime minister has also instructed the authorities to ensure adequate medical equipment at the upgraded hospitals.

Each facility will have two physiotherapists, he added.

The minister further said five child hospitals located in Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Cumilla are expected to become operational by December this year.

He said the hospitals would require a total of 1,475 staff members, and the PM has directed the Ministry of Public Administration to ensure the recruitment and deployment of the required workforce.

Responding to a question about the investigation into the deaths of six newborn babies at Ad-din Medical College Hospital, the minister said the probe report would be submitted before the end of the day.

The toughest action will be taken based on the findings of the report, he said.