Contraceptive, medicine supply to become normal in 2-3 months: Health minister

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today expressed hope that the supply of contraceptives and essential medicines will return to normalcy within the next two to three months.

He made the remarks in response to a question from MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas at the parliament this evening.

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The minister said the supply of contraceptives and essential medicines had been somewhat lower than the demand for the past three years, temporarily disrupting family planning activities.

Since taking office, the government has taken initiatives to normalise the supply of contraceptives and medical equipment, aiming to make family planning more effective and ensure uninterrupted services, he said.

The procurement process for contraceptives, essential medical supplies and medicines is now at the final stage, Sakhawat said. Once completed, the supplies will be distributed swiftly to the field level.

He said the Department of Family Planning was taking initiatives in line with the BNP manifesto, the National Population Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Various measures are also being implemented to end child marriage and reduce teenage pregnancy, he said. School health education programmes are being introduced at the secondary level to raise awareness about adolescent health.

The minister further said steps had been taken to fill vacant posts in the Department of Family Planning.

Of the 1,549 sanctioned posts for Medical Officers (MCH HP), 1,548 are currently vacant, he said.