Commerce, Industries, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on friday said the government will soon establish healthcare centers in tea garden areas across the country to improve access to primary medical services for underserved communities.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a daylong free medical camp for tea workers at Sylhet Government High School in Sadar Upazila of Sylhet, the minister said the health sector remains one of the government's highest priorities.
He said the government plans to gradually increase public expenditure on both the health and education sectors to 5% of GDP in the coming years. Highlighting the government's recent initiatives, Muktadir said several measures have already been undertaken to strengthen healthcare services in Sylhet.
"The establishment of a 250-bed hospital has already been approved and is currently under process. In addition, health centers will soon be set up in tea garden areas so that residents can access basic healthcare without having to travel to the city," he added.
Responding to questions about the United States' tariff policy, the minister said the US had reinstated an existing tariff under a new designation after the expiration of the previously announced 150-day period.
"This is essentially a replacement of the previous tariff rather than the imposition of a new duty. Therefore, there has been no effective change in the tariff situation," he said.
On fuel prices, Muktadir said the government continues to subsidize petroleum products despite fluctuations in the international market and has no plans now to raise fuel prices.
The event was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdul Al Mamun and conducted by Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khoshnur Rubaiyat.
Among those present as special guests were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet-6 MP Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, Sylhet District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Sunamganj District Council Administrator Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, and Sylhet Medical University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury.
The daylong medical camp attracted a large number of tea garden workers and local residents from across Sylhet, providing free general healthcare, eye treatment, maternal and child health services, and family planning consultations.
