Commitment to allocate 5 percent of GDP to health sector, recruit 25,000 midwives

He said this while speaking at a ministerial-level roundtable on midwifery and health security in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday (October 11).

The health minister said midwives play an important role in safe delivery, antenatal and postnatal care, and timely referral of patients for emergency treatment. Investing in them helps reduce maternal and newborn deaths as well as overall health expenditure.

He said the infrastructure of 62 educational institutions in the country is being modernized to improve the quality of midwifery education. Initiatives have also been taken to introduce hands-on training, simulation-based education, and a technology-driven education system.

Emphasizing regional cooperation to address the health workforce crisis, the minister said Bangladesh is strengthening knowledge and teacher exchanges and joint training programs with Nepal and Pakistan. He also praised the contributions of development partners, especially the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in expanding maternal and reproductive health services.

Highlighting the role of midwives in climate change-induced disasters and humanitarian assistance operations for Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar, the health minister said they are working to continue life-saving maternal health services even amid crises. The government is committed to enhancing their skills and continuing investment to protect mothers and children.