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Rajshahi, November 12:
Public health expert, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser, and head of the Grassroot Network Dr. Ziauddin Hyder has said that sustainable health development in a densely populated and low-income country like Bangladesh is impossible without strengthening the primary healthcare system.

 

“Frontline health workers are our first line of defense in disease prevention,” he said. “Without improving their quality of life, we cannot ensure public health security.”

 

He made these remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting with grassroots health workers from the Rajshahi Division, held on Wednesday (November 12) at the auditorium of the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura.

 

More than 550 community health workers from six districts of the Rajshahi Division participated in the program. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Additional Secretary and Chief Executive of the Community Clinic Project, was also present at the event.

 

In his speech, Dr. Hyder emphasized that strengthening preventive healthcare through a robust primary health system is essential for meaningful improvement in national health. “The role of grassroots health workers in this effort is invaluable,” he added.

 

He further stated that these health workers can identify common health issues such as fever, hypertension, diabetes, and malnutrition at the household level. “Early detection will allow timely treatment and reduce the risk of complications,” he said.

 

Dr. Hyder also outlined the BNP’s vision to make primary healthcare services more effective. He mentioned plans to expand comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and child health services — including safe delivery facilities — at union health centers and upazila health complexes. “This initiative will help protect the lives of mothers and children while reducing the financial burden of healthcare for families,” he added.