Barisal: Prime Minister's Health Affairs Special Assistant SM Ziauddin Hyder announced today that the government is planning to introduce a one-stop service to enable every citizen in the country to check their blood pressure, diabetes, and weight on a monthly basis. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services through healthcare workers, medical technologists, doctors, and nurses, ensuring 24-hour service availability at every union, as he stated during a views-exchange meeting held at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hyder emphasized the importance of improving healthcare delivery in rural areas, noting that while community clinics have been established through government efforts, their effectiveness needs enhancement. He pointed out that ensuring adequate doctors, medicines, and modern technology in these clinics would allow people in remote areas to access healthcare services more easily. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of introducing 'Primary Health Care' in rural regions to simplify healthcare access further.
Hyder also mentioned that the government is making significant progress in bringing healthcare services closer to the people. A Health Card program is slated for launch between June and July, aimed at making healthcare more accessible and cost-effective. Card users will be able to receive various hospital services at affordable rates, thus broadening healthcare reach.
The special assistant underscored the importance of recognizing nursing as a dignified profession, advocating for improved nursing education in Bangladesh. He called for nurses to be trained and skilled, aligning them with global standards so they can work abroad and contribute to earning foreign currency. He acknowledged that nursing has not yet attained a respectable position in society and stressed the need for change.
Discussing the state of medical education, Hyder described the current system as outdated, relying heavily on rote learning. He emphasized the need for reform in the curriculum, which currently encourages memorization among doctors, nurses, and medical technologists. This change is essential to ensure a more effective and practical medical education system.
The event was chaired by Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Dr. AKM Mashiul Munir, with Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Principal Prof Md. Anwar Hossain and Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute's Prof. Dr. S. M. Khalid Mahmud among the attendees.