Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the failure of the previous two governments to ensure measles vaccination for children as an "unforgivable crime", saying the current administration's emergency response has helped contain further deterioration in the situation.
Speaking at a conference of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPOs) at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said urgent nationwide vaccination efforts had been launched to prevent a repeat of the crisis.
"The life-destroying failure of the last two immediate governments to ensure measles vaccination for children across the country appears to be an unforgivable crime," Tarique said.
"So that such an incident never happens again, the current government has taken urgent steps to vaccinate children against measles across the country, and by the grace of Allah it has been possible to check some of the deterioration in the situation."
"We firmly believe that, through your dedicated efforts, we will be able to bring it under control."
The Prime Minister thanked doctors and health workers engaged in the immediate response to protect children from measles.
He also expressed sorrow to the parents and relatives of children who have died.
"To all the parents and relatives who have lost their beloved children, I personally and sincerely express my sorrow," he said.
The conference was organised by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
At the event, Tarique said ensuring full healthcare for mothers and children was essential for the future.
He urged that all upazila health complexes across the country be turned into safe centres for comprehensive maternal care, safe childbirth, and newborn and child health services.
Outlining plans to raise health sector allocation to 5 per cent of GDP, Prime Minister urged physicians working at the grassroots to lead efforts to build an accessible, affordable, effective and humane healthcare system.
The Prime Minister said he firmly believes that the physicians will be able to establish an accountable, sustainable and people-centric health service.
"We expect each of you to turn your respective workplaces into model healthcare service centres in your own areas," he told the health officers .
He said the government plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers, 80 per cent of whom will be women.
The Prime Minister said even small, collective efforts can bring meaningful change. "I am not saying one person will do everything. But if all of us contribute a little, change will surely come. If people in other countries can do it, we can do it too," he added. �"Agencies
