Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited the Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday, meeting teachers, students and patients. The Dhaka-15 lawmaker said he would seek to raise the institution’s fundamental problems in parliament and stand with those pursuing their demands, while not promising to secure every demand.

Rahman said he had learned about many issues before the visit through two meetings with the college principal, then toured departments and heard concerns directly. He described the institution as neglected and overlooked, saying the government should resolve its problems if it considers the facility necessary. He also said Unani treatment was comparatively affordable and free from side effects.

He cited patients’ complaints that medicines were unavailable and called for a law on allocations for the institution. Rahman said patients visiting the hospital should receive proper attention under the government’s stated aim of healthcare for all. Addressing the lack of a voltage stabilizer for the college’s pathological machine, he said one would be delivered from his side on Saturday.