Speedy update on health policy protested
Health Movement (Shasthya Andolon), a network of health rights organisations, yesterday expressed regret over the speedy update on the health policy by the government.
At a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium in the city, the speakers said that formulating and updating a health policy is the duty of an elected government, not of the caretaker government.
“Then why did the government adopt the policy hurriedly and without informing the people?” they questioned and demanded suspension of the policy immediately.
The speakers further said a website address (www.mohfw.gov.bd) was found in some newspapers last month. It sought opinions from the people regarding the policy by September 15, which was actually a very short time.
Furthermore, involvement of the people who updated the policy was not transparent and the policy also has not any such guidelines for the health sector, they added.
Presenting a keynote paper, Dr Naila Khan of Dhaka Shishu Hospital said there is no specific action plan on public health issue and how to reduce the maternal and child mortality rate. Even women health and their rights in health service have been poorly stated.
Co-convener of Health Movement Farida Akhter, Dr Mesbah Uddin of Gonoshasthya Medical College, Dr Salek Ahmed, Dr Enamul Hasib and Nazmul Karim Shabuj took part in the press conference.
The speakers also said the policy tends to hand over health services to the multinational companies as well as to businessmen and demanded steps to suspend the policy.
They also announced to hold a seminar on September 22 regarding the health policy.
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