Dhaka: Prime Minister's wife and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, emphasized the need for making quality healthcare accessible to every citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of income, location, or social status. She stated that health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zubaida expressed these views during a plenary discussion titled "Health Innovation for All: Expanding Access to Affordable and Inclusive Care," held at the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 at the Novotheatre in Dhaka. The event was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Sciences and Technology.
Dr. Zubaida highlighted that many patients only seek care from specialist hospitals when their conditions become advanced, often traveling long distances due to a lack of nearby facilities. She noted that the high cost of modern tertiary healthcare is a global issue, affecting not only Bangladesh but also many advanced countries.
She stressed the importance of an accessible healthcare system that can diagnose diseases and their risks early. Dr. Zubaida advocated for healthcare services to reach the most remote villages, ensuring that citizens do not need to travel far for treatment of conditions like dengue or measles.
Additionally, she emphasized the necessity of linking screening programs with confirmatory diagnosis, counseling, treatment, medication, monitoring, and referrals. Dr. Zubaida urged Bangladesh to start preparing for the healthcare needs of an aging population, including conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease.
She outlined a vision for healthcare based on the principle that quality care should not be determined by socioeconomic factors. The vision includes enhancing primary healthcare, increasing preventive programs, developing the health workforce, and boosting public health investment to five percent of GDP.
The recruitment of 100,000 health workers, particularly women, is seen as a step towards this transformation. These workers would support screening, maternal and child health, health education, chronic disease management, and referrals within communities.
Dr. Zubaida also pointed out the importance of a coordinated system for voluntary blood donation and related services. Innovation, she said, should address real patient problems rather than focusing solely on expensive technologies.
She mentioned that Bangladesh is equipped with respected researchers, a strong pharmaceutical sector, experienced clinicians, and a growing digital capability. These resources, coupled with community-level organizations and energetic entrepreneurs, are key to achieving the healthcare vision.
In conclusion, she emphasized that every part of the healthcare system must stay connected to patient needs and rights to ensure healthcare as a basic human right for all citizens.
The event also featured State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit as a special guest, with Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Dr. S M Ziauddin Haider moderating the session. Prof AK Azad Khan delivered a keynote speech, and a panel discussion included several notable figures from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.