Rajshahi:The government has initiated reforms and increased budget allocations to transform the health sector, as stated by State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhit during a workshop in Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government aims to prioritize disease prevention, ongoing immunization, digital healthcare transformation, and administrative decentralization to ensure quality health services are accessible to everyone. Dr. Muhit emphasized the importance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer, highlighting the expanded coverage due to collaborative efforts from health workers and development partners.
The plan includes upgrading every Upazila Health Complex to a 150-bed hospital, alongside enhancing healthcare services at the upazila level through increased budgetary support and decentralization. Additionally, a new Health Management Institute in Savar is proposed to train administrators in various management skills.
Dr. Muhit also discussed the digital transformation of healthcare, which involves e-health automation and accurate birth registration to track health services delivery in remote areas. Efforts to establish modern laboratories and strengthen non-communicable disease corners at Upazila Health Complexes are also underway.
Addressing manpower shortages, the State Minister urged for the quick filling of vacancies for health assistants and family planning workers in Rajshahi. He called for regional balance in doctor postings and encouraged physicians to serve with compassion to build public trust.
The workshop, chaired by Director of the Divisional Health Office Dr. Habibur Rahman, included attendees like Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, and other notable figures. Participants reviewed the progress of health programs and discussed solutions to field-level challenges, aiming to provide more effective and inclusive healthcare.