He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the closing and high-level policy dialogue of the two-day ‘Bangladesh Oxygen Summit’ at Independent University on Sunday (October 4). The university's Center for Health, Implementation and Policy Sciences and the Bangladesh Oxygen Network jointly organized the summit.

The State Minister for Health said that after the COVID pandemic and the 2023 World Health Organization proposal, medical oxygen is being considered an important part of health security. The government is working to make this system more effective and integrated.

He said that in the past there was a lack of coordination in oxygen management. In some places equipment was duplicated, while in other places equipment existed but was not operational. To solve this problem, a high-level committee has been formed at the ministry and work is underway to prepare a project proposal. There is a target to build an integrated oxygen network in at least 20 districts in the current fiscal year.

The State Minister emphasized formulating a national oxygen roadmap for 2026 to 2030 and encouraging domestic innovation. He also urged the relevant authorities to include practical training on oxygen therapy in medical education.

Noting the need to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply for marginalized communities, women and children with disabilities, he said the government has started work on determining a legal framework and standards to ensure quality ambulance services. This will also include an effective oxygen supply system.

Speakers at the event emphasized building an affordable, equitable and sustainable medical oxygen system through public-private partnership.