The current government has completed the nationwide measles vaccination programme, which he claimed had remained stalled due to mismanagement by the previous administration despite repeated reminders from international organisations, said Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday.
He made the remarks while inaugurating a newly established 50-bed specialised dengue ward at Ward No. 16 of Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
The finance minister said the government had prioritised public health after assuming office and ensured full implementation of the measles vaccination programme.
He also said the government has taken comprehensive measures to prevent both measles and dengue.
“Nothing could be done for those who had already been infected, but we have now created a protective shield through preventive measures,” he said.
Referring to the dengue situation in Chattogram, Amir Khosru said the risk has declined considerably and mosquito infestation is now more under control than before.
Highlighting what he described as a major achievement, he said no dengue patient undergoing treatment in Chattogram city or at CMCH has died so far.
He said the newly opened dengue ward would further strengthen treatment services for patients.
Calling for structural reforms in the health sector, the finance minister said increased budget allocations and improved infrastructure alone would not ensure better healthcare.
Addressing doctors, faculty members and health officials, he urged them to adopt global best practices and rethink existing systems.
“You need to reset the entire process. Government investment alone cannot bring change; qualitative improvements within institutions are equally important,” he said.
Speaking on the country’s economic outlook, Amir Khosru said the government had presented a large national budget despite inherited debt liabilities and the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He expressed confidence that the budget would be implemented successfully.
The minister also highlighted the government’s social safety net initiatives, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes, saying they represent unprecedented investment in public welfare.
He said the government’s priority is to ensure that increased investment in health and education results in improved services for ordinary people
Referring to the challenges facing Chattogram Medical College Hospital, Amir Khosru said the issues would be addressed gradually, stressing that public investment must result in quality healthcare services.
The programme was attended by CMCH Director Brigadier Taslim Uddin, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram-9 MP Abu Sufian, physicians, nurses and senior hospital and administrative officials.
Following the inauguration, the finance minister visited the dengue ward and inspected its facilities and treatment services.
