State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit on Saturday said that a special project has been formulated to bring all children with special needs in both rural and urban areas under government healthcare services, reports BSS.
Speaking at an inauguration of the service activities of the “CSF Center” at Karail Slum here, he said that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has prepared a major integrated project to ensure healthcare services for the special children at the upazila level.
He added that the upcoming national budget, set to be passed on June 30, includes specific allocations for the disabled population and for identifying and reducing disabilities.
Under the theme “Disability identification, rehabilitation and inclusive healthcare for the development of every child’s potential,” the CSF Center officially began its journey through this inauguration.
The State Minister said that the main objective of the initiative is to ensure that each special child, whether in urban areas or remote villages, comes under direct healthcare coverage.
He noted that special programs will be implemented in every upazila through this project.
Emphasizing inclusive development, Dr. Muhit said that the government has been working to ensure equal rights for all marginalized communities by introducing significant changes in policy, budgeting and administration.
He further said that the children affected by congenital and other diseases should not be left behind and must be integrated into the mainstream society through education, employment and normal living. He added that structural reforms are being introduced to ensure this inclusion.
Dr. Muhit also said that the ministry of education is taking long-term initiatives to ensure equal educational opportunities for children with special needs. Teachers are being provided with advanced training and school infrastructure is being made more accessible for such children.
Referring to the children in Karail slum, he said that the ‘Shishu Swarga’ program, inaugurated earlier by the Prime Minister’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, will continue throughout the year. He added that specialist doctors from leading medical institutions will regularly provide services at the CSF Center for underprivileged children.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
