Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced today that the government is fully prepared to prevent measles, with a nationwide vaccination campaign set to begin on Sunday. He made this statement while speaking to reporters after inaugurating a training program on the use of bubble CPAP in treating measles-related pneumonia and respiratory issues at Dhaka Shishu Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sakhawat Husain emphasized that the measles outbreak had emerged suddenly but assured the public that the government has acted swiftly to prepare for its containment. He expressed his condolences for the children who have succumbed to the disease and reiterated the government’s commitment to starting vaccinations across the country, including in the major regions of Dhaka and Rajshahi.
Special measures have been implemented in hospitals to treat measles patients, with an increase in the number of ventilators in Rajshahi and Manikganj. Sakhawat Husain highlighted that doctors and nurses are ready to respond effectively to the outbreak. He also appealed for the cooperation of health workers, acknowledging the challenges they face and pledging to address their issues, including delayed salaries and pending promotions for over 25,000 health assistants and related personnel.
The health minister underscored the importance of healthcare providers adhering to medical ethics while treating patients during this critical period. He assured that he is actively working on resolving the concerns of health assistants and emphasized the need for their full cooperation during this national emergency.