Desk Report:
The first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare of the 13th National Parliament was held at the Parliament Bhaban, presided over by the Committee Chairman, S.M. Rafiqul Islam.
Committee members and officials who participated in the meeting included Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain, State Minister M.A. Muhit, Md. Abdus Salam, Abu Mansur Sakhawat Hasan, Ikramul Bari Tipu, Md. Anwarul Haque, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Md. Abdul Bari Sardar, and Mahmuda Alam Mitu.
In accordance with the agenda, the meeting began with an introductory session involving the Chairman, committee members, and relevant senior officials. Briefings were provided regarding the manpower, profiles, and functions of the departments and agencies under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as well as the Ministry’s notable achievements and future plans.
The meeting was informed that initiatives are ongoing to expand the scope of services at every Upazila Health Complex and to establish ICUs, dialysis centers, and treatment centers for cancer, kidney diseases, and heart diseases at district headquarters hospitals.
Discussions during the meeting covered public health protection, drug control, nutrition research, and the management of hospitals and dispensaries. Updates were also provided on the ‘Shishu Swarga’ (Children’s Haven) initiative for pediatric healthcare and rehabilitation, alongside medical waste management, the use of solar power, the deployment of armed Ansar personnel at health complexes, and the issuance of health cards.
The committee recommended maintaining heightened vigilance regarding vaccine stock levels, dengue prevention, family planning, maternal healthcare, measures to prevent child marriage, school health education programs, the strengthening of satellite clinics, and, above all, the improvement of the overall healthcare system. Additionally, advice was given to ensure corruption-free operations, remain alert against the activities of fascist elements, and recruit necessary personnel to ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Health Services Division, the Secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, heads of departments and agencies under the ministry along with other relevant senior officials, and concerned officials from the National Parliament Secretariat.
