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Published on March 12, 2021Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government will set up community vision centres in all upazilas across the country in phases to provide better eyecare services to local people.
"Eyecare services are costly. General people can't afford these. I'm not only the Prime Minister, but also the daughter of the Father of the Nation. It's my responsibility to ensure healthcare services for every citizen. I've been trying to fulfil this responsibility," she said.
The Prime Minister was inaugurating the operation of community vision centres set up in 70 upazila health complexes of 20 districts under five divisions through a videoconference on Thursday (March 11).
She joined the virtual inaugural ceremony, held at National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in the capital, from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
Sheikh Hasina said the government has already undertaken a plan to set up 110 more community vision centres at the upazila level.
The Prime Minister said, "Healthy people are required to build a healthy Bangladesh."
Mentioning that the government is providing free vitamin-A, different vaccines and medicines to people, she said, "We've been creating scopes so that people can stay healthy everywhere."
Later, the Prime Minister exchanged views with local people and stakeholders of three upazilas -- Pirganj of Rangpur, Nachol of Chapainawabganj and Haluaghat of Mymensingh -- through the videoconference.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque also spoke at the function conducted by Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus.
Health Secretary Abdul Mannan delivered the welcome speech, while Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) Prof Dr Golam Mostafa described the NIO activities briefly.