Many countries offered vaccines to Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said many countries have expressed their interest in providing novel coronavirus vaccines to Bangladesh, and the country will receive all those for ensuring vaccination up to rural level.

"We have procured three crore vaccine doses. The Indian government has sent 20 lakh doses as gift. Other countries are willing to provide the shots. We will take all those so that we can ensure vaccination up to rural level. We will take steps in this regard," she said.

The PM was addressing a programme marking the laying of foundation stone of Kumudini International Institute of Medical Sciences and Cancer Research (KIIMS CaRe) in Narayanganj. She joined the event virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

The Kumudini Welfare Trust, founded by noted philanthropist and businessman Ranada Prasad Shaha in June 1947, is setting up the hospital.

Hasina said the government paid in advance for procuring three crore shots.

"We made the advance payment when the research was going on and the World Health Organisation (WHO) was yet to give the approval. But I made the payment in advance so that we can get it early."

About the availability of vaccine for all in Bangladesh, she said there were some doubts and confusions among the people about the vaccine at the initial stage.

The premier thanked Runu Veronica Costa, who obtained nursing degree from Kumudini Nursing Institute, for receiving the first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine in the country that removed all confusions and doubts regarding the vaccine.

"Now there is no problem. All are coming to vaccination centres with huge interest and enthusiasm to get vaccinated."

Hasina also mentioned that the government is doing whatever necessary to fight the novel coronavirus and the pandemic is now largely under control in Bangladesh due to various appropriate measurers of the government.

"After getting vaccine shots, all will have to maintain health guidelines. We hope the pandemic will fade away completely from the country."

The PM stressed the need for carrying out research as the scope for it is limited in the country.

"Research on medical science is not happening significantly here, which is very much needed. Those who were supposed to do this are very much busy attending patients after becoming doctors. I see a handful of people who are carrying out research or having publications," she said.

Regarding research on cancer, Hasina said the research on the disease is also very small in the country. Stating that the country need research urgently, she asked all concerned to focus on Bangladesh's climate and environment while carrying out research, particularly on cancer.

She thanked Kumudini Welfare Trust and the family members of Ranada Prasad Shaha for their engagement in the development of medical sector.

The PM said the private sector is playing a significant role in advancing the country's health sector. She urged entrepreneurs to come forward in this regard.

She said her previous government (1996-2001) had established Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for research activities. Besides, four other medical universities are now being set up.

"Our aim is to establish one medical university in each division of the country to pave the way for research work."

Health Minister Zahid Maleque, Ranada Prasad's daughter-in-law Srimati Shaha, and Chairman and Managing Director of Kumudini Welfare Trust of Bengal (BD) Ltd Rajiv Prasad Shaha also spoke at the programme.