Govt Healthcare to Cover All Children with Disabilities: Health Minister

All children with disabilities across rural and urban areas will soon receive government healthcare under a newly finalized initiative, State Minister for Health Dr. MA Muhith announced on Saturday (June 27).

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 'CSF Center' in Dhaka’s Karail slum, Dr. Muhith stated that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has developed a comprehensive project to deliver healthcare for special-needs children down to the upazila level. He added that the upcoming national budget, set to pass on June 30, includes specific financial allocations for disability assessment, reduction, and support.

The CSF Center officially launched its operations under the theme: "Disability assessment, rehabilitation, and inclusive healthcare to develop the potential of every child."

True Progress Goes Beyond Infrastructure Dr. Muhith emphasized that true national progress requires ensuring equal rights and human development for marginalized communities. He noted that the government is overhauling its policies, budget, and management to secure equal rights for every person with a disability.

"We often equate development with wealth or large buildings," Dr. Muhith said. "But true social and human development cannot be achieved through infrastructure alone. Real transformation requires compassion for those in our society who face difficulties or disabilities. Without this, we are merely building structures, not a better society."

Calling the administration a "humane government," he stated that structural changes are underway to prevent children born with disorders from being neglected. The goal is to integrate them into mainstream society, ensuring they have access to education, employment, and a normal life.

Integrated Healthcare and Education Under the DGHS's integrated project, the government aims to bring every special-needs child—whether in a city or a remote village—directly into the public healthcare system through specialized upazila-level programs.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education is advancing long-term initiatives to ensure equal educational rights. Teachers are receiving advanced training to help special-needs students learn alongside their peers in mainstream district and upazila schools. Furthermore, schools are modifying their infrastructure to create accessible environments for children with disabilities.

Continued Support for Marginalized Communities Focusing on the disadvantaged children of Karail slum, Dr. Muhith noted that the 'Child's Paradise' program—a humanitarian initiative inaugurated by the Prime Minister's wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman—will operate year-round. Specialist doctors from leading national medical centers will regularly visit the new CSF Center to treat marginalized children.

The inaugural event also featured speeches by DGHS Director Professor Dr. Jalal Uddin Muhammad Rumi, Dhaka North City Corporation Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, and CSF Center General Secretary Abu Isa Mohammad Moin Uddin.