Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called upon the private sector entrepreneurs to supplement the government efforts in providing better healthcare services to people and thus achieve further progress in the health sector.“It’s possible to take the country with the united efforts of all,” she said while addressing a function at her official residence Ganobhaban marking the handover of ambulances to 10 hospitals and institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Sheikh Hasina formally handed over the keys of the ambulances to authorities concerned of the hospitals and institutions.
Nitol-Niloy donated the ‘Tata Sumo’ ambulances to further improve the healthcare services.
Referring to Nitol-Niloy Group chairman Abdul Matlub Ahmed, also the president of FBCCI, Hasina said, “When the FBCCI president supports the health sector, then I expect the other businessmen will also come forward…if the private entrepreneurs come forward, then it is much better for us.”
Of the 10 ambulances, one was handed over to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital and Nursing College at Gazipur, three each to Patuakhali, Sherpur and Dinajpur Sadar Hospitals, one to Bangabandhu Science and Technology University at Gopalganj, and five to five Upazila Health Complexes in Mongla Upazila under Bagerhat district, Nikhangchhari upazila in Bandarban, Pirganj upazila in Rangpur district, Melandaho in Jamalpur district and Ramgarh upazila in Khagrachhari district.
Sheikh Hasina said the ambulances provided by the Nitol-Niloy Group will help the people who will receive health services from the concerned institutes and hospitals.
She also urged the Nitol-Niloy Group to extend their support and provide Water Line Ambulances for the areas, like the Haor areas of Kishoreganj, where normal ambulances can’t reach.
Putting importance on proper maintenance of the ambulances, the Prime Minister asked all concerned to properly take care of these vehicels. She also suggested for forming a special fund for maintenance of the ambulances for ensuring healthcare services.
The Prime Minister said the present AL government has been working relentlessly keeping in mind that ‘Health is the key to all happiness’.
Hasina went on saying, “The aim of her government is to fulfill all the basic needs, including food, education, cloths, health service and housing, of the people,”
In this regard, the Prime Minister mentioned that her government appointed 6,000 health assistants and imparted training to 13,000 health workers.
Sheikh Hasina said that female health workers have been provided with training to serve as midwives to help the expectant women during their delivery period in rural areas.
Later, the Prime Minister inspected various facilities of the ambulances.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Malek, FBCCI President and the Chairman of the Nitol-Niloy Group Abdul Matlub Ahmed and Head of International Business (PCBU), TATA Motors Ltd, India Johnny Oommen also spoke on the occasion.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and former FBCCI President Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed were also present.
