Dhaka: Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing and decentralizing healthcare services, aiming to extend better medical facilities up to the upazila level. “At present, specialist doctors and advanced labs are mostly Dhaka-centric. Coming out of this reality, the government is working to ensure advanced medical services through district and upazila-based hospitals,” said Rahman at the ‘Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers’ Conference-2026′ at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference, organized by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aimed to make the activities of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers more effective in reaching health services to the grassroots level. Tarique Rahman addressed the significance of the medical profession, stating, “Physicians are the closest friends of people suffering from illness and true companions in times of crisis.”
Rahman stressed the government’s focus on eliminating the disparity between urban and rural healthcare, marking it as a top priority. He noted that the government’s health policy emphasizes prevention over cure, underscoring the role of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers in implementing preventive measures against diseases.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the increasing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases, exacerbated by environmental changes and climate impact. He advocated for regular screenings and lifestyle changes at the upazila level to address these growing health issues.
Stating the critical role of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers, Rahman emphasized their responsibility in both healthcare management and administrative duties. He outlined the government’s plan to allocate five percent of GDP to the health sector, aiming for comprehensive healthcare improvements.
Rahman announced plans to establish primary healthcare units based on the UK’s NHS General Practitioner model, with a phased recruitment of 1 lakh health carers, predominantly women, to provide primary healthcare and advice at the community level.
The Prime Minister also critiqued previous governments for their failure in effectively vaccinating children against measles, labeling it an “unforgivable crime.” He praised the current government’s emergency initiatives to address this issue and stressed the importance of accountability in healthcare services.
Rahman revealed upcoming government initiatives, including an integrated e-health card for digital health data management, and plans for a national health insurance system to alleviate financial burdens from medical expenses.
The event, presided over by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, was attended by over five hundred Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers. The Prime Minister also honored six outstanding physicians in the emergency service category, acknowledging their contributions at the upazila level.