Dhaka:State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit has called for urgent measures to combat food adulteration and corruption in the health sector, identifying them as significant threats to public health. He emphasized that simply procuring medical equipment or constructing hospitals would not suffice to halt the increasing number of illnesses and fatalities unless food safety is ensured.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit made these remarks at a discussion held at the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation, commemorating World Iodine Day. The event was organized by BSCIC, GAIN, Nutrition International, and the Ministries of Industries and Health and Family Welfare.
Dr. Muhit highlighted that the prevention of diseases is a key component of the government's health sector agenda. He noted that despite the establishment of dialysis machines and specialized hospitals across various districts, the prevalence of kidney and other chronic diseases would persist unless food adulteration is addressed. He urged all relevant agencies, including the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection, to take decisive action against this issue.
The state minister also issued a stern warning against corruption in the health sector, stating that past mismanagement and corruption patterns must be eradicated. He stressed that not a single penny allocated for healthcare should be lost to corruption. Dr. Muhit mentioned that tenders worth Taka 16,000 crore are expected to be issued soon, and the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, would not tolerate any form of corruption.
Dr. Muhit commended efforts to reduce iodine deficiency, noting that previous initiatives had successfully ensured the availability of iodised salt, thereby diminishing intellectual disabilities linked to iodine deficiency. However, he pointed out that a 2026 survey indicated that around 12 percent of the population still consumes non-iodised salt, urging targeted research to reach this group. He also called for increased attention to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream nutrition and health programs.
The event was attended by Industries Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, GAIN Country Director Rudaba Khondker, Nutrition International Country Director Dr. AKM Musa, and Bangladesh Salt Mill Owners Association President Nurul Kabir. BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed presided over the program.