Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government plans to recruit 100,000 health workers across the country, with 80 percent of the positions reserved for women.

“The responsibility of these individuals will be to go from village to village and door to door,” he said at a civic gathering held on the premises of the Sylhet City Corporation.

“They will also work in cities, but we will place greater emphasis on rural populations. Their key role will be to raise health awareness among women.”

The prime minister said the newly recruited workers would focus on preventive healthcare, particularly among women managing households. They will provide guidance on diet to reduce risks of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, promote lifestyle changes to prevent heart conditions, and raise awareness about kidney health and hygiene.

In his speech, he noted that while urban residents have some access to medical services, healthcare facilities remain inadequate in most rural areas, reports Prothom Alo.

The programme was presided over by Abdul Quiyum Choudhury, administrator of Sylhet City Corporation and president of the district BNP.

“We want to ensure that as many people as possible remain healthy,” the prime minister said.

“If fewer people fall ill, hospitals will be better able to provide quality treatment to those who need it.”