Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector is steadily strengthening its position in the global market, with locally produced medicines now being exported to more than 140 countries. ‘The export of medicines to over 140 countries reflects a significant advancement in the country’s healthcare and pharmaceutical capabilities,’ he told journalists in the ministry’s conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical export market would expand further once the country achieves self-sufficiency in vaccine production. He highlighted that previous governments had not made sufficient progress in the production and supply of medical equipment and vaccines. There were shortages even in essential medical products such as ventilators and syringes. However, the country was able to overcome health-related challenges later with support from the private sector.
Regarding the dengue situation, the minister mentioned that the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) has donated 100,000 units of intravenous (IV) saline to support treatment of dengue patients. He stated that the Central Medical Store currently has a stock of 100,000 units of saline, while another 20,000 to 25,000 units are available at the upazila level across the country. ‘We are prepared to ensure additional supplies if demand increases,’ he added.
In response to recent child deaths at Ad-din Hospital, the minister noted that the hospital authorities have been given two more days to respond to a show-cause notice issued by the government. ‘If the authorities fail to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, further legal action will be taken,’ he said.
State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit remarked that the government had taken advance preparations ahead of the dengue season and was implementing various measures to reduce infection rates. He assured that the health sector remains fully prepared to ensure prompt treatment for dengue patients. ‘All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the public health system. Coordinated initiatives are being undertaken to control dengue and further improve the country’s healthcare sector,’ he added.