15 lakh families to get free health care in six districts

Staff Reporter :
The government will provide free health care services worth Tk 50,000 each to some 15 lakh poor families in six districts, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said on Monday.
 “The government has expanded the ‘health security programme’ to 15 lakh poor families in six districts instead of one district. As a result, each family will get free health services worth Tk 50,000,” the Health Minister said at a programme at the Ministry in the capital.
The services will be available in Manikganj, Dhaka North and South city Corporations, Kurigram, Barishal, Barguna and Laxmipur, Zahid Maleque said.
The Health Minister said that the government has a plan to extend the services to all districts in phases.
The health services will be provided targeting
poor families and 15,000-20,000 families from one upazila have been enrolled under the programme, he added.
The Health Minister also said that the government will start vaccination to prevent cervical cancer among the girls from September.
“We will inoculate vaccines among the girls aged 10 to 15 years against Human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer,” he said. “This vaccine is high precious, but we will give it as routine vaccination free of cost,” he added.
The cervical cancer among the women is increasing in our country. In this situation, the government is planning to increase screenings. “The government is giving priority to primary health services. Already, a booklet has been prepared and being distributed in all schools. The booklet contains guidelines on the food students should eat to remain healthy and fit,” the Health Minister said.
Replying to a query about fourth doses of Covid-19, the Minister said no expired vaccines are being used and so there is no need to be panicked.
The Minister also asked all not to be misled by any rumour regarding the vaccination programme.
About the Nipah Virus, he said the virus is now under control as no new patient has been detected.