Dhaka:State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit announced today that a sustainable and multi-sectoral urban health model will be finalized within the next six months. This initiative aims to provide healthcare services to nearly 60 million urban residents across Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit made these remarks during a meeting at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Urban Health Network and Eminence, with support from the Embassy of Sweden and UNICEF.
Dr. Muhit emphasized the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services, stating that existing healthcare centers will continue to operate under the current framework during the transition period. He highlighted that, unlike rural areas with established healthcare networks, the urban population previously lacked direct formal healthcare responsibility from the Ministry of Health.
The state minister outlined the government's commitment to reforming urban healthcare, including policy and financial approvals already in place for this transition. A comprehensive urban health model is expected to be finalized during this period, and there is a political commitment to increase the health budget to five percent of GDP over the next five years.
Dr. Muhit also called for a broader approach to urban healthcare, considering factors such as housing, safe drinking water, sanitation, and mental health. He suggested that urban healthcare should not replicate rural models but instead address specific urban needs, including introducing electronic health cards and a referral network.
The meeting included discussions with other key figures such as Doctors Association of Bangladesh President Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid and representatives from organizations like UNICEF and the World Bank, emphasizing a collaborative effort in formulating an effective urban health plan.