Dhaka, Apr 18 (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the government has begun efforts to decentralize the country’s healthcare system in order to reduce inequality and ease pressure on urban hospitals.

He made the remarks while addressing the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPO) conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Saturday.

“Health services must not remain Dhaka-centric”

The Prime Minister said that most specialized hospitals and advanced laboratories are currently concentrated in the capital. “We want to move away from this model and strengthen district and upazila-level hospitals,” he said, adding that the government has already started implementing related reforms.

He also emphasized that doctors play a crucial role in society beyond their medical duties. “A doctor becomes a patient’s closest friend during illness. Their advice and behavior act like medicine,” he said, stressing the importance of compassion alongside professional skill.

Reference to foreign healthcare systems

Referring to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, he noted that even developed countries face challenges in managing public healthcare systems. “Britain is a wealthy country, yet even there the NHS is under pressure,” he said, adding that his own experience living in the UK allowed him to observe its system closely.

Infrastructure and cleanliness concerns

Highlighting a photo shown in a conference booklet, he pointed out issues of waste management at health facilities. “Cleaning does not require huge resources, it requires willpower,” he said, urging local authorities and citizens to maintain hygiene around hospitals.

Personal reflections and anecdote

The Prime Minister also shared a personal experience from a political event in Bogra, describing how party workers collectively completed last-minute preparations, including laying bricks to protect a school field used for a rally.

He further mentioned a recent incident involving a relative of a domestic worker, stating that patients from rural areas are often referred directly to Dhaka due to lack of facilities. He added that new medical equipment has been sent to district-level facilities to improve treatment capacity.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister reiterated that strengthening healthcare at the grassroots level is essential for building an equitable health system and ensuring better services for all citizens.

END/SMA/AJ