Health minister Zahid Maleque on Thursday acknowledged negligence on part of the authorities in developing the health sector as the result of which was being experienced amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We didn't give due importance to health sector, (we) neglected it. We got the result during coronavirus. We've observed how helpless we are," he added.
Not only Bangladesh neglected the health sector, Mr Maleque asserted, no country in the world gave due importance to it.
He said this while addressing a virtual discussion to observe the 24th anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at Shaheed Dr Milon Hall.
"I think it's not possible for economic development of a country without developing health sector. We have to come forward for developing the sector."
"Coronavirus has shown us what happens to people when the health sector collapses. All development halts, there is no peace and social unrest begins," he cited.
The minister said the allocation for health sector is only 0.9 per cent of the gross domestic product. Effort is underway to increase it to 9.0-10 per cent.
The vaccination programme was going well at the beginning but disrupted when India stopped supply of vaccine midway through the activity, forcing to suspend first dose of vaccination, he added.
"We've approved Russian vaccine as an alternative to speed up our vaccination programme. Besides, we're giving opportunity to those local companies which want to manufacture vaccine…," Mr Maleque mentioned.
Education minister Dipu Moni inaugurated the programme with BSMMU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sharfuddin Ahmed in the chair.
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