A two-day long International Health Economics Conference on ‘Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage’ has begun on Tuesday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium of Dhaka University (DU). Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the conference as chief guest. The Institute of Health Economics (IHE) of DU has organized this event.
Convener of International Health Economics Conference Prof. Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid presided over the inaugural session while Director General of Health Economics Unit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) Dr. Md. Enamul haque, Senior Health Specialist of World Bank Dr. Bushra Binte Alam and Team Leader of Human Capital Team of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ms. Fahmida Shabnam addressed it as special guests. Prof. Dr. Mahmud Khan of the University of Georgia, USA delivered the key-note speech. Director of Health Economics Unit of MOHFW Dr. Syeda Naushin Parnini also addressed it. Director of IHE of DU Prof. Dr. Sharmeen Mobin Bhuiyan delivered welcome address.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman stressed the need for improving ethical and humanitarian values of medical professionals to ensure universal health coverage. Bangladesh has made tremendous success in reducing child and maternal mortality rate as well as increasing average life expectancy under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister has established community clinics across the country to develop health care systems in Bangladesh, he added.
He emphasized on ensuring equitable and quality health care services to make an inclusive society as well as achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Dhaka University authorities have introduced health insurance schemes for the students. Other academic institutions of the country will introduce the same, he hoped.
