Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife and Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice Chairman Dr Zubaida Rahman has said the government has taken various initiatives to ensure healthcare reaches people in the most marginalised communities.
She made the remarks at a seminar titled “Innovation in Healthcare for All” at the Innovation Fair at Novo Theatre in Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka, on Sunday morning.
“Healthcare is not charity; it is a fundamental right,” Dr Zubaida said.
She pointed to a communication gap between researchers and healthcare providers, saying closer collaboration between the two could improve the quality of healthcare.
She also stressed the need to expand awareness programmes on cancer and diabetes.
Dr Zubaida said Bangladesh could ensure world-class healthcare by strengthening coordination between technology and researchers.
She said the government plans to restructure the health sector so that it can contribute 5% to the country’s GDP in the future.
Speaking at the event, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit said innovations in dengue prevention should be tested and implemented in Bangladesh.
He called for initiatives to bring Bangladeshi scientists working abroad back home and utilise their expertise.
The state minister also stressed the need to introduce a digital platform for appointment booking at all government hospitals.