PM directs launch of ‘e-health card’ to ensure healthcare access for all citizens

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the health ministry to initiate the introduction of an “e-health card” to ensure healthcare services for all citizens.

The directive came during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat today (4 March), where the health minister, state minister, advisers and health experts were present.

Following the meeting, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the prime minister instructed the health minister to begin work on launching the “e-health card” system without delay.

“The government’s policy is to ensure healthcare services reach people at their doorsteps. The prime minister asked the ministry to be more proactive in this regard,” Rumon said.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on identifying abandoned government buildings and bringing them under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to convert them into healthcare centres.

According to the additional press secretary, there are at least 170 abandoned buildings under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) alone. The prime minister directed that such unused facilities belonging to the government and its affiliated institutions be transformed into clinics and health service centres.

The issue of population growth also came up in the meeting. Statistics presented showed that around 3.4 million babies are born in the country each year.

“Concern was expressed over the annual birth rate. The ministry has been asked to take stronger measures to control population growth,” Rumon added.

The meeting also discussed the recruitment of 100,000 health workers, in line with the BNP’s election pledge, with 80% of the positions reserved for women and 20% for men. Filling vacant posts for doctors and healthcare workers in the ministry was also reviewed, said the additional press secretary.

The prime minister further urged the health minister to ensure that physicians regularly serve in remote health centres.

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhit and senior government officials were present at the meeting.

Strengthening nationwide tree plantation drive

Earlier in the day, the prime minister chaired a meeting at the Cabinet Division conference room to review progress on a five-year plan to plant 250 million trees nationwide.

The additional press secretary said the prime minister instructed authorities to intensify the tree plantation programme across the country.

The meeting reviewed the latest progress of the initiative, which aims to plant 250 million trees over five years. In addition to government nurseries, saplings will be sourced from private nurseries.

Trees will be planted on khas land, char areas, riverbanks, along roads and highways, in forest areas lacking vegetation, and within the premises of government institutions. Each student will plant at least one tree and take responsibility for its care.

Forest and Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, and principal secretary to the prime minister, among other senior officials, attended the meeting.