Government cancels leave for doctors, health workers in 11 flood-hit districts

Medical teams have been deployed to every affected Upazila

The government has cancelled all leave for doctors and health workers in 11 flood-hit districts, ramping up emergency healthcare services as widespread flooding continues to batter large parts of Bangladesh.

The decision was announced on Monday at a press briefing held at the health ministry on measures taken in response to the flood situation.

Officials said medical teams had also been deployed to every affected Upazila to strengthen emergency healthcare services.

"The government is giving top priority to ensuring healthcare services during this flood crisis," a spokesperson said.

"Essential medicines, saline, antivenom and other medical supplies are being delivered to the field as quickly as possible," the official said.

According to the ministry, special healthcare operations are currently under way in 11 districts: Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Cumilla and Brahmanbaria.

The ministry said a senior physician had been assigned to oversee the overall health situation in each of the affected districts.

The health ministry's control room is operating round the clock to collect information and coordinate emergency health services.

Officials said close coordination was being maintained with deputy commissioners, civil surgeons, hospital authorities and local administrations to monitor the evolving situation and respond quickly to health emergencies.

The ministry also said special instructions had been issued to ensure healthcare services for pregnant women, children and people living in remote areas, who are considered among the most vulnerable during the ongoing floods.

The government said emergency medical response and supply distribution would continue as long as flood conditions persist.