Swapan Kumar Singh :

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced a set of initiatives aimed at improving and modernising healthcare services in Sylhet.

Speaking as the chief guest at a civic reception held at Sylhet City Corporation premises, the premier said the government has prioritised expanding access to quality medical care in the region.

He noted that steps have been taken to operationalise a 250-bed hospital in Sylhet at the earliest possible time. In addition, the capacity of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital is being expanded to 1,200 beds, a move expected to significantly enhance treatment facilities for people across the greater Sylhet region.

Emphasising prevention over cure, the prime minister said raising public awareness is essential in a densely populated country. As part of this effort, the government has decided to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide, around 80 percent of whom will be women.

These health workers will operate at the grassroots level, visiting households in rural areas to educate people on nutrition, healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and maternal and child health.

The event was chaired by Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury. Among the key speakers were Industry and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and the prime minister’s adviser on foreign affairs Humayun Kabir. Other officials and dignitaries were also present.