No slum resident should be deprived of treatment

The government is working to ensure healthcare services for all citizens including slum dwellers, stressing that no one in the country should be left without access to medical treatment, Prime Minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman has said.

She made these remarks while speaking as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting held at Kurmitola General Hospital on Tuesday.

Zobaida said, “A large portion of healthcare expenses is borne directly by citizens that drive poverty.

“BNP-government’s aim is to build a healthier which to be more productive and self-reliant nation where residents of Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala slums receive uninterrupted medical care, from newborns to the elderly, including emergency maternal services.”

Highlighting the role of slum communities, she described them as the backbone of the city and the garment industry, though many residents still rely on local pharmacies for basic treatment due to financial and time constraints.

She said that the health sector has been suffering from neglect. However, efforts are underway to build a system where no citizen is deprived of essential healthcare.

Zobaida added that hospitals are under heavy pressure, healthcare workers are facing challenges, and millions of people still struggle daily to access quality treatment.

The programme organised in order to discuss the implementation of healthcare-related electoral commitments aimed at ensuring equality in medical services for both general and marginalised people in Dhaka-17.