DHAKA, July 12, (v7n) – Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain today said the government will install cardiac catheterization (Cath) laboratories in every upazila hospital across the country by the end of this year.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion marking World Population Day at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin attending as chief guest.

Sakhawat Hossain said the government has adopted a strict stance to eliminate public suffering caused by wrong medical testing and to prevent patients from falling victim to faulty diagnostic services. Skilled laboratory technicians are also being trained to ensure proper operation of the new facilities.

Emphasising the importance of building a healthy, skilled, and capable younger generation to ensure the country's future leadership and sustainable development, he said: "We are growing older, so we must prepare a qualified and competent young generation to lead the country in the future. Our goal is to eliminate all irregularities from society and build an ideal generation."

Highlighting government initiatives to expand healthcare services at the grassroots, he said extensive programmes will begin during the current fiscal year to ensure healthcare access in every village and remote area. All Family Welfare Centres, health assistant centres, and community clinics will be renovated, with advanced screening facilities installed at every centre.

The minister also said the recruitment process is underway to appoint 100,000 new health workers in line with the Prime Minister's directives, of whom 80,000 will be women health workers providing door-to-door counselling for mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. The initiative aims to increase awareness among expectant mothers, encourage normal deliveries, promote breastfeeding, and ensure proper nutrition for children.

Sakhawat Hossain further said 50-bed dialysis centres are being established at every district medical college hospital, while 10-bed dialysis centres are being set up at every upazila hospital so low-income patients do not have to travel to Dhaka or divisional cities for treatment.

Among others, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhith, Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, DGHS Director General Prof. Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Directorate of Medical Education Director General Prof. Dr. Nazmul Hossain, and Directorate General of Family Planning Director General Dr. Jinnat Rehana addressed the event.

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