Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said initiatives would be taken to upgrade Cumilla Medical College Hospital (CuMCH) into a 1,000-bed facility from its existing 500-bed capacity.

He also assured that maximum efforts would be made to address the hospital's problems and improve its healthcare services.

The minister, who is also chairman of the hospital management committee gave the assurance while addressing the Internship Completion and Doctors' Reunion-2026 programme of the 29th batch at the new auditorium of CuMCH.

He said the government was prioritising efforts to address shortages and ensure the supply of necessary medical equipment and accessories to medical college hospitals.

The minister added that he would hold discussions with the health minister soon to address the hospital's needs for medical equipment and accessories.

Emphasising the importance of proper maintenance, Aminur Rashid urged the hospital authorities to ensure that medical equipment remained functional throughout its designated service life.

He also underscored the need for compassionate and patient-centred healthcare, urging doctors to listen attentively to patients, understand their health concerns and provide appropriate advice.

"Spending adequate time with patients and listening carefully to their concerns help build their confidence and provide mental comfort. Sincerity and humane behaviour are as important as medical treatment," he said.

Urging doctors to go beyond prescribing medicines, he called on them to advise patients on disease prevention, particularly the importance of consuming safe and nutritious food and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Proper dietary habits and lifestyle changes could help reduce the risk of many diseases, he said, calling on physicians to raise public awareness about preventive healthcare and the role of safe food in maintaining good health.

Addressing the newly graduated doctors, Aminur Rashid urged them to dedicate themselves to public service and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, responsibility and compassion.

Cumilla Medical College Principal Professor Dr Md Masum Hasan chaired the programme, while Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Md Yusuf Mulla Tipu attended as the special guest.