The 100-bed Rajshahi Shishu Hospital has started functioning in the city.

Rajshahi mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton inaugurated the hospital at a ceremony held at the hospital yesterday.

Directed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the hospital has been built with the help of local investors, doctors and social leaders.

The three-storied hospital on the western side of Rajshahi Fire Brigade office will remain open round-the-

clock.

Although the hospital started its journey with only six doctors and 18 staffs, recruitment of consultants and specialised doctors are underway, sources said.

Outdoor facilities will be available from 8am to 2.30pm everyday except for Fridays and government holidays.

The hospital authorities

will charge Tk 20 from each outdoor child patient, Tk 30 for admission and Tk lOOaday for each bed.

Chaired by hospital director Dr AB Siddiki, the inaugural function was also attended by Rajshahi Medical College principal Dr ABM Abdul Hannan, Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital director Brig Gen Abdul Latif, hospital

governing body members Shaheen Akhtar Reni, Mohsin Khan and Dr AKM Shahidur Rahman Tarafdar.

The mayor said that the hospital would be upgraded to a 500-bed one following construction of a 10-storied building near Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) soon.