Bangladesh Prime Minister: 25 Thousand Midwives and 100 Thousand Health Workers to be Hired

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarık Rahman announced that the government will launch a major employment initiative in the public health sector. According to the official statement, 25 Bin new midwives (doulas and midwives) will be recruited across the country to promote natural childbirth. In addition, 1 lakh (100 Bin) more health workers will be employed to strengthen public health and spread preventive healthcare services to the grassroots. This massive staffing expansion stands out as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving maternal and child health, especially in rural areas. Officials state that they expect this step to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.

The Prime Minister made this important announcement during a speech at noon on Saturday (11 Temmuz). The speech was delivered as part of the 81st founding anniversary celebration event of the Dhaka Tıp Fakültesi (DMC) Hospital, located in the capital Dhaka. Ministry of Health officials, academics, and numerous students attending the ceremony had the opportunity to closely listen to the government's new health policy. The Prime Minister delivered a speech praising the medical community's place in the country's history and its contributions to public health. The event contained important messages regarding how healthcare services can be improved from the past to the future.

Within the scope of the government's new health vision, not only will personnel be recruited, but the existing infrastructure will also be strengthened. In this context, it is planned to increase the capacity of government hospitals, which currently have 51 beds at the district and sub-district (upazila) levels, to 100 beds. Emphasizing that quality healthcare services must be brought to the public's doorstep, Prime Minister Rahman stated that they want to prevent rural patients from flooding the capital Dhaka for simple treatments. To achieve this goal, specialist doctors will be encouraged to leave city centers and serve in rural hospitals. Equipping regional hospitals and closing the staff shortage aim to alleviate the burden on the central system.

It was emphasized that spiritual and human touch is just as vital as technological equipment in healthcare services. Addressing the personnel regarding medical care, the Prime Minister expressed that they are a source of hope and trust for the patients. Citing his own mother's treatment process as an example, the Prime Minister specifically highlighted that the top-level care and compassion shown by Bangladeshi doctors is a value that could be hard to find even abroad. He added that healthcare professionals, who make patients feel safe during their most difficult times, must continue to be the most respected individuals in society. The sacrifices of health workers are considered one of the cornerstones of the government's new era health strategy.

The glad tidings were given that the principle of 'prevention rather than treatment' (prevention is better than cure) will be adopted in future health policies. The Prime Minister stated that taking precautions before diseases emerge will significantly reduce the financial burden on the state. The new health workers, who will work in the field for years, will be tasked with going door to door to raise public awareness against diseases. Early intervention and information campaigns will be organized to prevent epidemics and chronic diseases that threaten public health. These steps, announced on the founding anniversary of the Dhaka Tıp Fakültesi, signal a revolutionary health reform in the country.