Govt Striving to Ensure Universal Healthcare: Dr. Zubaida Rahman

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister’s wife, stated on Tuesday that the government is making significant strides to ensure healthcare for all citizens, noting that while the health sector has long suffered from negligence, efforts are underway to build a system where no one is deprived of necessary medical services. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting at Kurmitola General Hospital titled “Implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s electoral pledges to establish equality in healthcare for the general and marginalized people in Dhaka-17,” she emphasized the need to provide top-tier care for residents of the Korail, Bhashantek, and Sat Tala slums. 

Dr. Zubaida highlighted the systemic challenges, observing that government hospitals are under excessive pressure and that 72 percent of healthcare costs are currently borne directly by the people, making illness a primary cause of poverty.

“Our goal is a healthy, more 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 get quick and easy access to care for complications,” she said. 

Acknowledging the residents of these areas as the "backbone of the city," she pointed out that 42.6 percent of them currently seek health solutions from local pharmacies to avoid missing work. 

She called for dedicated volunteers to bridge the gap between these communities and Kurmitola General Hospital, where services are provided completely free of charge. 

Earlier in the day, she inaugurated a new pathology pavilion, a gastro-liver center, and a 50-bed ICU at the facility, later visiting ICU patients and urging doctors to maintain the highest standards of care.

The event featured several high-profile speakers, including Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, who remarked that Dr. Zubaida’s presence reflects a sense of accountability and offers a "ray of hope" to the public. 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon expressed optimism that healthcare and education would see rapid progress under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, drawing a parallel to the agricultural self-sufficiency achieved under President Ziaur Rahman. 

Other attendees included State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhit, State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari, and senior health officials. 

Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman, Director of Kurmitola General Hospital, chaired the meeting and confirmed that the newly inaugurated ICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and trained personnel to provide round-the-clock emergency care.