BNP government to present highest-ever budget for health sector: State minister

The BNP government will present the highest-ever budget for the health sector, State Minister for Health Dr M A Muheet has said.

He made the remarks at a discussion organised at the National Press Club in the capital marking the 45th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman.

"Tomorrow, during the budget announcement, the BNP government will declare the highest allocation in the history of the health sector," he said. The long-neglected health sector is being given the utmost priority, with plans to restructure it anew.

The state minister said the challenge lies not just in announcing the budget but in its proper implementation. Doctors, health workers and all concerned must work together to ensure healthcare reaches people's doorsteps.

He also highlighted plans for a digital health system, including the introduction of e-health cards to bring the entire country under a digital health network and provide modern healthcare to the people.

Plans have also been taken to gradually upgrade each upazila health complex to a modern 101-bed hospital, which will play a role in ensuring equitable healthcare, he added.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain was present as the chief guest at the event. The discussion was chaired by Doctors Association of Bangladesh acting president Professor Dr Md Abul Kenan, with overall supervision by the organisation's general secretary Dr Md Zahirul Islam Shakil.