Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday termed the “life-threatening failure” of the previous two governments to vaccinate children against measles across the country an “unforgivable crime”.
“We all have to be vigilant so that such incidents never happen again,” he said.
“Due to the current government’s emergency initiative to vaccinate against measles across the country, by the grace of Almighty Allah, it has been possible to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” said the premier, reports BSS.
Addressing the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPO) Conference-2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the prime minister urged grassroots physicians to lead efforts in building an accessible, affordable, effective, and humane healthcare system.
“You are the main drivers in turning our dream of a healthy nation into reality,” he said, outlining plans to raise health sector allocation to 5 percent of GDP.
The prime minister said he believes physicians will be able to establish an accountable, sustainable and people-centric health service, reports UNB.
“We expect each of you to turn your respective workplaces into model healthcare service centres,” he told the health officers.
The conference, organised by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was attended by over 500 UHFPOs from across the country.
The prime minister also handed out awards to top-performing officers in six categories.
Tarique said the government’s proposals reflect its broader vision for the health sector but stressed that success depends on collective effort.
“The government cannot do it alone. We need your support,” he said, adding that even small contributions can bring meaningful change.
He said the government plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers, 80 percent of them women, and urged officials to work with dedication to expand access to healthcare.
Referring to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, he noted that despite operating for around 75 years in a stronger economy with a smaller population, the NHS still faces challenges in ensuring services for all.
Drawing the comparison, he said it is natural for Bangladesh’s healthcare system to face difficulties, particularly at the grassroots level.
The prime minister said the government is working to ensure healthcare as a basic right, guided by the principle that prevention is better than cure.
He pledged to improve the dignity, safety, and living standards of healthcare workers, address manpower shortages, and modernise upazila health complexes with technology-based services.
Emphasising accountability, he called for a corruption-free healthcare system and urged officials to play active roles in vaccination, maternal health, and disease prevention.
