Cut maternal mortality rate: Muhith

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday stressed the need to raise awareness about reproductive health in order to reduce the rate of maternal mortality.
He also called on the physicians to work towards bringing down the rate to the lowest by 2025.
The minister made the call while addressing as the chief guest the inaugural session of a two-day conference of Obstetrical Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) at the seminar hall of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College.
Speaking as a special guest, Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque said the government would set up 3,000 to 4,000 more community clinics in addition to the existing 10,000 ones to reach healthcare services to the rural people.
Besides, services at the district and upazila hospitals would be improved to reduce dependence on the government medical colleges, he said.
Former president of OGSB Prof Shahela Khatun also spoke as special guests while Dr MA Sabur presided over the session.
Finance Minister Muhith also said more training should be provided to traditional birth attendants, as most rural people depend on them during deliveries.
OGSB President Prof Sayma Akhtar, Secretary General Shah Alam, OGSB Sylhet chapter General secretary Morshed Ahmed Chowdhury, Dr Shamsunnahar Hena, Principal of Osmani Medical College MA Ahbab and Director Brig Gen ATM Ibrahim also spoke.