Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today said they have requested the relevant ministry to maintain an additional diesel reserve to ensure uninterrupted critical medical services.

“The matter has already been discussed in meetings chaired by the prime minister, and arrangements will be made to maintain that reserve,” he told reporters after attending a programme of the Society of Surgeons of Bangladesh in Dhaka.

He said the ongoing global war has shaken the world, as fuel remains central to all major systems. A shortage of fuel could therefore create significant disruptions.

Hospitals, he noted, require uninterrupted electricity in critical areas such as intensive care units (ICUs), coronary care units (CCUs), neonatal care wards, and labour rooms. To address this, the health ministry has requested additional diesel reserves.

He added that if the fuel crisis worsens, diesel reserves would be further increased and generators kept ready. Authorities are also setting up dual emergency power lines so that if one fails, the other can supply electricity at least to critical units.

At the same time, the ministry is emphasising efficient electricity use across all hospitals under its jurisdiction to minimise potential shortages.

Replying to another question, the minister said there is currently sufficient stock of helium gas.

However, he warned that increased load-shedding could affect gas density, which in turn may disrupt MRI machines and the supply of gas used in treating infants with respiratory conditions.

“We are fully conscious about this issue. There is no shortage of helium gas at present, and suppliers have assured us of adequate supply for the next several months,” he said.

He added that arrangements are also in place to import additional supplies through proper channels, and work in this regard has already begun.