Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zhaid Hossain today said providing free primary and emergency healthcare services to people at the grassroots level is one of the major electoral pledges of the government.
 
The government is working by considering the education and health sectors as areas of the highest priority, he said while addressing as the chief guest a discussion and conference titled “Role, Expectations and Responsibilities of Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers in Ensuring Primary Healthcare for Marginalized Communities.

Diploma Medical Association of Bangladesh (D-MAB) organized the conference at the National Press Club today.

President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Food and D-MAB Adviser Advocate Abdus Salam Pintu, and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Professor Dr S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bacchu attended the event as special guests.

Dr Zahid said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is firmly committed to ensuring the overall health and well-being of the people.

“In a country with a population of nearly 180 million, a large number of skilled health workers are required to ensure healthcare for such a vast population. Taking this reality into utmost consideration, the government has already undertaken a landmark initiative to recruit 100,000 health workers,” he said.

Besides, he said Tk 69,000 crore has been allocated to the health sector in the current budget to make the country’s healthcare management world-class and strengthen the health system.

The minister further said that no professional problem can be resolved sustainably without unity and mutual solidarity.

He called upon all concerned to maintain professional unity and perform their civic and professional responsibilities with honesty and dedication from their respective positions.

Dr Zahid stressed that the desired development of the country’s healthcare system cannot be achieved by the government alone; rather, it requires the active and responsible participation of all.