Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare, saying reforms are underway to ensure that no citizen is denied essential medical services.
She made the remarks while addressing a consultation meeting at Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka, where officials discussed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s electoral pledge to promote equitable healthcare for residents of Dhaka 17, including marginalized communities.
The event focused particularly on improving medical access for people living in Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala slums. Zubaida Rahman said millions of Bangladeshis continue to struggle with limited access to quality care, noting that 72 percent of health expenses are paid out of pocket, making illness a major driver of poverty.
“Our aim is to build a healthy, productive and self reliant nation,” she said. “From newborns to the elderly, everyone must receive proper treatment. Pregnant women in particular should have swift access to care in times of complication.”
She acknowledged that public hospitals are under heavy strain and that healthcare workers often face discouraging conditions. Many low income residents, she said, rely on local pharmacies for treatment to avoid missing work, with 42.6 percent seeking primary solutions outside formal medical facilities.
Zubaida Rahman urged the formation of volunteer networks in Dhaka 17 to raise awareness about free services available at Kurmitola General Hospital and to strengthen coordination between hospital authorities and local communities.
Earlier in the day, she inaugurated a new pathology pavilion, a gastro liver center and a 50 bed intensive care unit at the hospital. She later visited ICU patients and spoke with doctors and administrators, encouraging them to maintain high standards of care.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said her presence demonstrated accountability and would inspire public confidence. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon expressed optimism that healthcare and education would see major progress under the current administration, drawing parallels to agricultural advances made in earlier decades.
Kurmitola General Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman, who chaired the meeting, said the newly established ICU is equipped with advanced technology, trained staff and round the clock services to ensure prompt treatment for critically ill patients.
Senior government officials, health administrators and political representatives were also present at the event.
