Ten Thousand More Nurse To Be Appointed In Public Hospitals And Clinics: PM

She said two more child hospitals would be constructed in the capital, one in the east part and other in the west part. Besides, a child hospital will be built in each division. The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the programmes of World Breastfeeding Week-2014 at a function at Osmani Memorial Hall here today.

Sheikh Hasina asked the health professionals to provide best support and encouragement to mothers for breastfeeding saying breastfeeding is a right of infants. She also urged all concerned for rigorous execution of the Breastfeeding Substitute (marketing control) Act 2013.

The Prime Minister said the holy Quran tells for breastfeeding to the new born babies up to two years. "There is no alternative to breastfeeding for normal growth of a child. Breast-milk is the only balanced and safe food for a child up to six months," she said.

Expressing her satisfaction over peoples' awareness on breastfeeding, the Prime Minister said the number of breastfeeding mothers has been increased to 64 percent over the last five years from 47 percent.

Health minister Mohammad Nasim, state minister for health Zahid Malek attended the function as special guest while secretary of the health ministry MM Niazuddin was in the chair.

Director General (DG) of health department Dr Deen M Nurul Haque, DG of Family Planning department Nur Hossain Talukder, chairperson of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation SK Roy and Director of National Health and Nutrition Institute Dr M Shahnewaz also spoke on the occasion.

Sheikh Hasina said, her government in 2009 asked for observing the ‘Breastfeeding Week’ officially. Since then, she said, the reastfeeding week is being observed vigorously across the country, making people aware about the issue.

The Prime Minister urged the male members of a family to remain careful about the health of a lactating mother giving her additional food in the interest of both the mother and child saying "the cost of taking care of a mother is more economical than buying powdered milk."

Sheikh Hasina said the country imports powder-milk of around Taka four thousand crore every year and most of them are used as infant food. "Hundred percent breastfeeding will save the huge foreign currency every year," she said.

In this regard the Prime Minister highlighted her government's initiatives taken for building a healthy nation, child and mother health and ensuring nutrition of the people. She said the government has given highest priority to healthcare and nutrition.

In view of this, she said the government has announced a national nutrition policy and implementing a five-year national nutrition programme. And, a strategy paper on infants' health has already been approved.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has introduced six-month maternity leave and set up breastfeeding corner in the public and private offices. Working mothers are being given allowance from a fund created for giving support to lactating mothers.

She said, global community applauded Bangladesh's health programmes, conferring with various international awards. Bangladesh is now a role model of development as well as a standard bearing nation of South Asia.

The Prime Minister urged all to work together to build a happy, healthy and prosperous Bangladesh for future generation.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)