The government is set to launch five 200-bed specialized children’s hospitals in five regions of the country to expand advanced healthcare services for children. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman said the hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Cumilla could be inaugurated simultaneously in October.

He made the remarks on Saturday (August 15) after inaugurating the newly constructed 500-bed building of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital.

Earlier, at around 10am, the prime minister formally inaugurated the new building. The inauguration ceremony included planting a sapling on the hospital premises, a special prayer, and the release of balloons and pigeons.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Social Welfare Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, and senior government officials were present at the event.

The prime minister said the goal of a modern healthcare system is not limited to expanding infrastructure and technology. The government’s main objective is to ensure accessible, affordable and quality healthcare through a combination of advanced technology, skilled human resources, good governance and timely policies.

He said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia laid the foundation stone of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital on October 23, 2006. The hospital has since been expanded with modern facilities in response to growing healthcare needs.

The prime minister said the government considers healthcare not only a fundamental right but also an important foundation for the country’s economic and social development. Various initiatives have been taken to provide affordable and quality healthcare to people in remote areas as well as poor and marginalized communities.

He also said work is underway to establish an effective referral system through e-Health Cards to reduce pressure on hospitals in the capital, while efforts are continuing to bring healthcare services closer to people’s doorsteps.

In addition, the government has begun work to establish comprehensive primary healthcare units in every union. The prime minister said there is also an initiative to gradually upgrade every upazila hospital into a 151-bed facility.