No shortage of saline for dengue patients: Health minister

Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen on Monday dispelled concerns regarding a potential crisis of liquid saline at hospitals amid the worsening dengue situation.

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat on the first working day after the Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh holidays, the minister said there will be no shortage of saline in the treatment of dengue patients.

Responding to a question regarding the health ministry initiatives against the dengue outbreak, the minister said hospitals have been given necessary instructions in this regard. 

"Doctors are now well aware of dengue treatment," he said.

Samanta Lal also urged everyone to ensure cleanliness in homes and other establishments to prevent dengue.

The minister said the country's medical services did not face any disruption during the holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh.  

"I have visited hospitals every day during the Eid holidays, and found doctors, nurses, as well as senior consultants, in every hospital."

Addressing a discussion on the BRAC Health Programme at BRAC Centre in the capital's Mohakhali yesterday, the minister said antibiotic resistance has turned out to be an ominous sign in the global health sector. 

"It [antibiotic resistance] has spread from humans to animals in villages," he said.

The minister called for concerted efforts by all public and private sector stakeholders to deal with the threat of antibiotic resistance.

"The prime minister [Sheikh Hasina] is also giving the utmost importance to this issue. She is discharging her role as a co-chairperson of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance," he said.

Addressing as chief guest, Samanta Lal also called upon BRAC to create more awareness against diseases like breast cancer, cervical cancer and hypertension.

"A substantial amount of positive work is being accomplished in the country's health sector, but there is often a lack of coordination. People will benefit if public and private organisations work together," he said.

In her speech, State Minister for Health Dr Rokeya Sultana acknowledged BRAC's cooperation as a private organisation in the health sector.

She urged the organisation to maintain continuity in its activities and projects.