Dhaka: Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has announced that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is preparing to introduce a “National Health Card” aimed at bridging the healthcare disparity between urban and rural areas. This initiative is intended to ensure that all citizens have access to modern and quality healthcare.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faqir Mahbub, who also serves as the Science and Technology Minister, shared these insights during the “Digital and Intelligent Integration for Health – Towards a New Cooperative Ecosystem along the Silk Road” session held today in Xi’an, China. During the session, he emphasized the transformative potential of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector.
He explained that the National Health Card would enable physicians to access a patient’s essential medical records instantly from any part of the country, facilitating faster, more accurate, and better-coordinated diagnoses and treatments. “It is not merely a technological innovation; it is a significant step towards ensuring equity in healthcare,” he stated, highlighting the government’s objective to provide equitable healthcare services, regardless of a patient’s location.
Faqir Mahbub Anam further elaborated on the government’s efforts in developing a human-centric National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. This policy is grounded on principles of human rights, ethics, transparency, and inclusive development. He stressed the importance of ensuring that technological advancements serve the welfare of people, ensuring no one is left behind in the AI-driven innovation wave.
The minister also highlighted the importance of establishing a robust data protection framework to safeguard citizens’ personal health information, which is essential for fostering a sustainable digital healthcare ecosystem. “A sustainable digital healthcare ecosystem cannot be achieved without secure and trusted data management,” he noted.
Additionally, he mentioned Bangladesh’s commitment to promoting international partnerships and innovative technologies, including AI-based solutions, to deliver advanced healthcare services to marginalized communities. The country is dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable, and technology-driven healthcare system.
The Silk Road Forum, organized by the Secretariat of the World Internet Conference (WIC), with support from the Government of China, served as the platform for these discussions. The event saw participation from senior officials of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Shaanxi Province leaders, WHO representatives, and delegates from various international organizations.
International analysts and leading Chinese global media outlets have recognized the Digital Health Working Group as a pivotal milestone in advancing the digital transformation of healthcare under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The conference, held on July 21-22, gathered ministers, policymakers, technology experts, and representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Algeria, Zambia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Russia, Brazil, and several other countries.