Tuhin Shubhra Adhikary

The health ministry spent much of its first 180 days grappling with a prolonged measles outbreak, leaving several of its major reform initiatives at an early stage and raising questions about its capacity to fulfil ambitious healthcare promises.

Six months into the BNP government’s tenure, State Minister for Health MA Muhit speaks to The Daily Star about the ministry’s plans for the healthcare system and the challenges ahead

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday directed the health authorities to urgently identify and close gaps in measles vaccination coverage, as the disease continues to claim lives even three months after the emergency vaccination campaign.

Measles continues to claim lives nearly three months after the nationwide vaccination campaign ended, with the death toll crossing the 900-mark yesterday, indicating that the outbreak is far from over.

The government has decided to upgrade all upazila health complexes (UHCs) to 151-bed facilities, revising its earlier plan for 101 beds, to strengthen healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Fertility rate rising, demographic dividend at risk

The health authorities have extended the validity of licences for private medical facilities from one year to two years, aiming to simplify the renewal process and reduce hassle for hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.

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