Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that political interference in educational institutions has significantly harmed institutional quality and standards across the country.

He made the remarks while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of a new building for the Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Medical College Hospital as chief guest on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, he stressed that admissions must be strictly merit-based, warning that politically influenced enrollment weakens academic standards.

He also said that medical education quality depends on maintaining proper teacher-student ratios, adequate faculty recruitment, and sufficient infrastructure, and advised against expanding student intake without meeting these requirements.

Highlighting challenges in the health sector, he called for increased budget allocation along with stronger oversight to ensure effective use of public funds. He alleged that mismanagement and corruption in the past had resulted in substantial financial waste in the sector.

He further said the government is working toward establishing universal healthcare coverage, under which medical expenses for low-income patients would be covered by the state. As part of this initiative, private hospitals may be integrated into a contractual system to support public healthcare delivery, with treatment costs reimbursed by the government.

Describing healthcare as a fundamental right, he emphasised ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services and preventive care systems.

He also underscored the need to modernise medical education with improved classrooms, digital libraries, multimedia facilities, and recreational spaces, noting that healthcare training must align with rapid technological advancement.

Referring to the shortage of medical technologists, he said the lack of skilled personnel is preventing full utilisation of expensive medical equipment, and called for the establishment of more medical technology institutes.

On the national economy, he said rising global fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have increased government expenditure, while significant outstanding liabilities from the energy sector have added further pressure. He added that the economy is currently recovering from a challenging position and may take around two years to stabilise.

He also criticised delays in infrastructure projects, urging timely completion with quality assurance, and emphasized the need to include adequate parking facilities in new building designs, recommending space for at least 200–250 vehicles.