Tokyo:Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a renowned cardiologist, has called on the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh in the healthcare sector. Her appeal focused on key areas such as health research, maternal and child health, and the development of modern medical infrastructure.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida made this appeal during a seminar on health organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo. She emphasized that the Bangladesh government has prioritized healthcare, education, and social protection policies. Initiatives have been undertaken to make healthcare affordable, enhance public health quality, recruit healthcare professionals, and expand access to health and education services for disadvantaged communities.
Furthermore, Dr. Zubaida highlighted the government's efforts to improve the quality of life through employment-oriented education, expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, and family-based social assistance programs, such as the Family Card initiative. She stressed the importance of ensuring people's physical and mental well-being, which she described as crucial.
The seminar also touched upon the growing Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations and the potential to leverage the two nations' experiences and capabilities to confront emerging challenges in the health and social sectors. Dr. Zubaida noted that both countries are committed to providing children with a healthy environment and opportunities to reach their full potential, which requires sustainable social systems, a robust economy, quality education, and protection from violence, poverty, and other risks.
Dr. Zubaida emphasized the importance of health diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world and its role in achieving the shared goal of health for all. She acknowledged the contributions of private organizations, international institutions, voluntary initiatives, and philanthropic foundations in improving maternal and child health in Bangladesh.
Drawing from her experience as a physician, Dr. Zubaida expressed confidence in Bangladesh's potential for implementing effective health policies, advancing health research, and developing modern healthcare institutions. She praised the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for its ongoing efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable communities and urged it to expand its activities in Bangladesh. Dr. Zubaida also called for greater resources and cooperation from the foundation to address emerging health challenges, assuring full cooperation and support from the Bangladesh government for initiatives aimed at sustainable healthcare.
The seminar was attended by Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation, along with other distinguished guests.