DHAKA: Putting emphasis on the need to make people aware about their health, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged people for having balanced diet and to do exercise regularly in a bid to prevent diseases.

She was addressing the inaugural function of the National Health Service Week and National Nutrition Week 2019 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Tuesday (April 16).

The premier also said her government has been working relentlessly to reach healthcare services to peoples’ doorsteps. 

She also highlighted the initiatives taken by her government so far for the overall development in health sector. 

During the first tenure of her government in 1996-2000, the country got first medical university -- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and the government established three other medical universities in Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet after assuming power in 2009, said the PM. 

Terming nursing a noble profession, PM Hasina said her government will withdraw the condition of having science background for students to pursue nursing courses if necessary.

She also asked the authorities concerned to take measures in appointing nurses of all academic background instead of recruiting alone with science background revising the rules or laws if required.

But the premier put emphasis on the need for special training for nurses to take care of post-operational patients.

PM Hasina also called for mainstreaming the traditional medicine through a renewed focus on the age-old indigenous healthcare system alongside the conventional drugs. 

The premier also said her government formulated Population Policy, Nutrition Policy and National Drugs Policy. 

A video documentary was screened focusing on the country’s health services at the function.

The Prime Minister also handed over the keys of ambulances and the jeeps to the officials concerned as token distribution of such vehicles to different hospitals and health complexes.

BDST: 1638 HRS, APR 16, 2019
RS/SMS