Illness is now one of the main causes of poverty: Zubaida Rahman

About 42.6 percent of people living in the capital's Karail, Bhasantek and Sattala slum areas depend on local pharmacies for primary healthcare, said Dr. Zubaida Rahman.

She presented this information as the chief guest at a view-sharing meeting organized at Kurmitola General Hospital on Tuesday (May 5).

She said that illness has now become one of the main causes of poverty. Healthcare is not a luxury, but rather a fundamental right of citizens. But many people are being deprived of quality medical treatment as the country's health sector has been neglected for a long time.

The meeting discussed the issue of 'Establishing equality in healthcare in Dhaka-17 constituency'. Dr. Zubaida Rahman said that although the residents of these slum areas of the city mainly play an important role in various sectors, including the garment industry, they are still lagging behind in healthcare.

She said that about 72 percent of the health expenditure in the country has to be borne by people themselves, which is a big burden for many families.

She emphasized on increasing awareness at the local level to make healthcare accessible. She called for reaching out to people through volunteers and making government hospital services more effective.

At the event, she inaugurated the hospital's diagnostic department, gastro-liver center, and 50-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Later, she inquired about the patients admitted to the ICU and spoke to the doctors about the quality of service.

The event was presided over by the hospital's director, Brigadier General Md. Saidur Rahman. In addition, various ministers, senior officials, and health sector related people were present.

It was reported that modern equipment and trained manpower have been ensured in the new ICU, which will help serious patients get quick and quality treatment.