'Ensure urban healthcare'

Health Directorate takes out a colourful procession at Shahbagh in the city yesterday marking the World Health Day.Photo: STAR

World Health Day was observed in the country yesterday as elsewhere across the globe with the theme 'Urbanisation and Health'.
Different organisations held discussions, seminars and fairs and organised free medical camp to mark the day.
Health Minister Prof AFM Ruhal Haque yesterday said cooperation between different government and non-government organisations should be strengthened to ensure people living in urban areas have access to healthcare service.
Though the Dhaka City Corporation, local government division and municipalities are mainly responsible to ensure primary healthcare of city dwellers, health ministry cannot overlook them, he said.
He was speaking at a programme to mark the day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city yesterday.
Health Adviser to the Prime Minister Prof Syed Modasser Ali stressed the need to stop rural to urban migration for ensuring urban people's health and treatment.
If the government could provide employment to at least one person of every family as per its commitment, the tendency of such migration could be controlled, he added.
A health education fair was also held at the venue.
Health Movement at a view exchange meeting at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity said the health policy, which is yet to be finalised, should prioritise building the infrastructures for better environment that will ensure a healthy life.
At the meeting titled 'Our expectation and steps to formulate a people-oriented health policy', the speakers also stressed the need to incorporate the role of food, education, environment and other ministries with the health ministry.
National Professor Dr Nurul Islam presided over the meeting.
Campaign for Good Governance formed a human chain in front of the south plaza of the National Parliament. The human chain was simultaneously formed at 45 districts across the country.
Leaders of the platform demanded the government recruit people against all the vacant posts in health sector.
Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital in association with JAAGO Foundation, Salauddin Specialised Hospital, American International University Bangladesh, AG Breast Care, Sandhani and Bandhan organised a health care fair at five venues in the city.
They provided free medical tests and consultancies.
Mayor Mohammad Hanif Memorial Foundation organised an eye camp to provide free services to the poor people
Mother Teresa Memorial Society Bangladesh, Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association, The 2nd Urban Primary Health Care Project under the LGRD ministry also held rallies at different places in the city to increase health awareness in the society.
Savar Upazila Health complex along with Transparency International Bangladesh -- Sachetan Nagorik Committee, Savar, World Vision, Urban Primary Health Care Project and Swanirvar Bangladesh jointly organised a rally and a discussion.