Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has said the government is making strides to ensure healthcare for all citizens.
“The country’s health sector has long suffered from negligence. However, the government is working to build a system where no citizen is deprived of necessary medical services,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting at Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka.
The hospital authorities organised the event, titled “Implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s electoral pledges to establish equality in healthcare for the general and marginalised people in Dhaka-17”.
Zubaida said, “We have gathered here today to provide the best possible healthcare services for residents of Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala slums.”
She noted that government hospitals are under excessive pressure, healthcare workers are discouraged and unevenly deprived, and access to quality healthcare remains a daily struggle for millions.
She added that 72 percent of healthcare costs are borne directly by the people, making illness one of the main causes of poverty.
“Our goal is a healthy, productive, self-reliant and sovereign nation. We want to ensure that people in Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala are never deprived of medical services. From newborns to the elderly, everyone should receive proper treatment. Pregnant women must have quick and easy access to care for complications,” she said.
Highlighting the contribution of the local residents, she said they are the backbone of the city, sustaining its daily life and strengthening the garment industry through their hard work.
However, 42.6 percent of residents seek solutions to daily health problems from local pharmacies, often trying to recover at any cost just to avoid missing work, she mentioned.
Zubaida emphasised the need for dedicated volunteers in the area to inform people about available services at Kurmitola General Hospital.
She hoped that volunteers in Dhaka-17 and hospital members would work together to save lives.
Healthcare services are completely free at Kurmitola Hospital, she added.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari, and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs SM Ziauddin Hyder, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
Kurmitola General Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman chaired the views-exchange event.
Earlier, Zubaida Rahman inaugurated the pathology pavilion, gastro-liver centre, and a 50-Bed ICU at Kurmitola General Hospital.
After the inauguration, she visited ICU patients, inquired about their treatment, and spoke with concerned officials about the quality of services. She urged doctors to ensure the highest standard of care.
