Union-Level Health Units Planned to Expand Primary Care: Dr Haider

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former World Bank senior health officer Dr Ziauddin Haider has said plans are underway to introduce primary healthcare units in every union to improve grassroots medical services.

He shared the update while visiting Jhalokathi Sadar Hospital on Tuesday (March 24). According to him, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has already instructed authorities to move forward with the initiative.

Each union-level health unit will have a doctor, nurse, midwife, lab technician, pharmacist and a diploma assistant. The units will also include three hubs to promote health awareness and disease prevention.

Patients needing advanced care will be referred to upazila or district health complexes. The plan also aims to bring existing union-level health workers under a unified system to ensure better service delivery.

During his visit, Dr Haider inspected several hospital departments and spoke with patients. While many appreciated doctors’ dedication, concerns were raised over shortages of beds, medicines, space and cleanliness. He urged authorities to address these issues and improve service quality.

He later held discussions with hospital officials on manpower shortages and infrastructure limitations.