Zubaida Rahman launches ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ for children with disabilities

Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation inaugurated the “Shishu Shorgo Model,” a new initiative aimed at providing integrated healthcare, rehabilitation and support services for children with disabilities in Bangladesh on Thursday. 

The programme was launched at Ershad Ground of  Korail slum area of the capital under the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Before formally inaugurating the project, Zubaida Rahman visited several stalls showcasing educational materials and essential support items designed for children with special needs.

The “Shishu Shorgo Model” is being described as Bangladesh’s first national initiative to provide integrated healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities. Authorities said the programme will be expanded gradually across the country in phases.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit attended the event as the keynote speaker.

The event was presided over by Health and Family Welfare Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, while Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas served as co-chair.

Among the special guests were State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder, and Executive Director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar.

Distinguished guests at the seminar included UNICEF Acting Representative in Bangladesh Stanley Gwavuya, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan, and the Prime Minister’s Assistant Personal Physician Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir, among others.

Officials said the programme has formally started its activities through integrated service delivery for children with disabilities living in the Korail slum.