Government reshaping urban health system anew: State Minister for Health

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a national consultation meeting titled ‘Sustainable SRHR Ecosystem’, organized by the CSO Forum at the CIRDAP auditorium on Tuesday (September 15) morning.

The State Minister said that after independence, the country’s urban population was less than 10 percent. At present, nearly 30 percent of people live in cities, which could reach 50 percent by 2050. As a result, it is urgent to give priority to urban health in the future health system.

He said that until now urban health services had mainly been operated through city corporations, municipalities and NGOs. Taking into account the positive aspects of the existing system, an initiative has been taken to create a complete and sustainable framework under the government.

In the new framework, the Directorate General of Health Services and the Directorate General of Family Planning will jointly discharge responsibilities. In particular, the Directorate General of Family Planning will play an important role in sexual and reproductive health services, he said.

Dr. M A Muhit said there are plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers to deliver healthcare at the grassroots. They will be given integrated training along with the existing 40,000 workers. There are also plans to provide modern diagnostic kits and AI-based digital apps to these workers.

The State Minister also said that launching evening clinics for low-income working people in cities is under consideration. At the same time, plans are being made by designating ward-based catchment areas to ensure services for the floating population and women and children with disabilities.

Urging the rapid finalization of a development project proposal to implement the new urban health service framework, he said that through this it would be possible to build a people-friendly and inclusive urban health system for the next 20–30 years.

At the meeting, Secretary of the Education and Family Welfare Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare A K M Benjamin Riaz, Director General of the Directorate General of Family Planning Zinat Rehana, and others concerned also spoke.