World Health Day to be observed across country today

The World Health Day will be observed today in the country as elsewhere in the globe with the theme of the day 'Our Planet, Our Health'.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday issued separate messages on the occasion.

The President, in his message, said the government is implementing massive development schemes to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of the people as healthcare is one of the basic human needs.

Health sector has made a dramatic improvement in the health index of the country due to adequate investment, the head of the state said.

The quality of medical services in the country has increased as a result of development of health infrastructure, creation and recruitment of skilled manpower, procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment and use of information technology, he said.

As a result, life expectancy has increased and maternal and infant mortality rates have declined, Hamid continued.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, reiterated her government's commitment to safeguard the public health of the people.

The aim of the present government is to create pro-welfare society and state by building a pollution free environment which is conducive to healthy living for every citizen of the country, the premier said.

The greatest Bangalee of all time and Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman undertook various activities, including establishment of hospitals for the development of medical system of the country soon after independence of the country, she added.

Following his footsteps, she further said the present Awami League led government is implementing massive development activities to bring health services to the doorsteps of the people and build a healthy, strong and functioning community by providing affordable quality Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) services to the people.

The government has taken various steps including setting up new hospitals and nursing institutes to ensure up-to-date healthcare by formulating a people-oriented health policy, Hasina said.

The government has increased the number of doctors, nurses and supporting staff in the hospitals across the country, she said, adding that at the village level, 18,000 community clinics and union health centers have been set up across the country to bring health services to the doorsteps of the people.

Free health, family welfare and nutrition services are being provided to marginalized people through these health centers, she continued.