Workshop Targets Maternal Health in Remote Hill Areas in Bandarban

A stakeholder workshop on sexual and reproductive health was held in Bandarban on Thursday to strengthen maternal and child health services in remote hill areas. Organized by NGO Green Hill under the SMCHSD project in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Bandarban District Council Chairman Professor Thanjama Lusai attended as chief guest while District Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Shaheen Hossain Chowdhury presided. Special guests included Council CEO Mohammad Nazrul Islam, OGSB President Dr. Firoza Begum, District Council Health Department convener Dr. Sanaipru Tripura, Assistant Director of Family Planning Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, and JSI Program Manager Dr. Abu Shaheen.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech while NGO consultant Lelung Khumi moderated the session. Green Hill medical officer Dr. Angchalu presented details of the project.

Dr. Firoza Begum said she would present the state of maternal health services in remote Bandarban areas directly to the Prime Minister. The chief guest called for strengthening maternal and child health services in the hills also discouraging harmful superstitions around maternity care and developing alternative transport systems for patients from remote areas instead of relying solely on ambulances. She urged doctors to work with sincerity and commitment.

Upazila family planning officers the civil surgeon's office staff UNFPA representatives and ACIDDRB members also attended.