Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister's wife and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, said healthcare must reach every citizen regardless of income the location or social status, calling it a basic human right rather than a privilege. She spoke at "Health Innovation for All" a session held on the second day of the three-day Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 at Novo Theatre, Dhaka.
Zubaida said the healthcare system must identify diseases and risks early, before conditions become severe. She noted that many patients reach hospitals only after complications develop, often traveling long distances due to lack of nearby services a challenge she said even advanced countries face with tertiary care costs.
She called for expanding healthcare to Bangladesh's more than 90,000 villages along with stronger dengue awareness, measles vaccination drives and public education on cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. She also urged early preparation for an aging population's needs including dementia and Parkinson's care.
Zubaida outlined a vision centered on strengthening primary healthcare, building an efficient referral system between community and specialist facilities, and raising public health investment toward 5% of GDP. She highlighted the planned recruitment of 100,000 health workers especially women as key to supporting screening, maternal care and chronic disease management at the community level.
She also called for a national blood donation and plasma transport system with full traceability. Emphasizing practical innovation over expensive technology, she said "The most valuable innovation is the one that solves a real problem for patients."
State Minister Dr. M A Muhit attended as special guest, while Dr. S M Ziauddin Haider moderated the session which included leading pharmaceutical and healthcare officials.
