Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Collected

PM calls on rich countries to come forward to ensure universal health care

She said, "Rich countries should come forward to ensure universal health care by distributing the necessary funds. Many countries are still lagging behind. They need help."

She was speaking at a high-level event titled 'Accelerating Universal Health Coverage Towards Smart Bangladesh' at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized the event with the support of several national and international organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, CRI, Suchana Foundation and Chatham House London. The event had two parts. In the first part, the chief guest, special guests and expert panelists. It was moderated by Saima Wazed, Advisor to the WHO Director-General on Mental Health and Autism and Honorary Commissioner for Universal Health of the Chatham House Commission. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and co-chair of the Chatham House Commission, spoke as a special guest at the event.

Sheikh Hasina said, "In areas which have not yet developed or which have not made much progress towards health, a significant fund should be created to support health and nutrition. Because health is the root of all happiness."

Calling for an international plan for universal healthcare, she said universal healthcare is very important.

She said, "This issue should be given more importance and an international plan should be made." In this context, she said, then it will be understood which country needs more.

She said, 'It can be fixed and healthcare for all can be ensured. But I believe we all have to do it together."

Health Minister Zahid Maleque spoke on the occasion and Health Services Department Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Howladar delivered the welcome speech. The UN General Assembly is set to host a high-level meeting on UHC in September 2023.

How to ensure universal health care, in response to this question from Saima Wazed, Sheikh Hasina said, "An international plan is needed to ensure universal health care."

"Universal health care is very important. More emphasis on this matter and an international plan is needed," she added.