No Saline Crisis in Hospitals: Health Min

Health Minister Zahid Maleque reassured the public that hospitals do not face a shortage of saline, though there is a limited supply issue in the market. To address this, the government is importing 700,000 bags of saline, with 350,000 bags set to arrive soon. He made these remarks as the chief guest at the 'National Conference on Maternal and Adolescent Nutrition' held at the Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.

Minister Maleque emphasized the importance of reducing mosquito populations to combat dengue infections and urged those responsible for Aedes mosquito control to carry out their duties effectively. He noted that dengue cases have spread across the country, and there is an ample supply of beds and saline for dengue treatment.

Highlighting concerns about childhood obesity resulting from fast-food consumption, the minister stressed the need to promote a balanced diet for children to prevent issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. He underscored the importance of creating awareness about healthy eating habits.

The Health Minister also pointed out that while malnutrition rates have improved from 40–50% to 20%, there is still work to be done. Proper nutrition is essential, as it reduces stunting and enhances physical and mental capabilities while boosting immunity. Imbalanced diets can lead to increased disease burdens in the healthcare sector.

Minister Maleque mentioned positive trends in maternal and child mortality rates, attributing the decrease to improved healthcare services in the country. However, he expressed the need to further enhance maternal healthcare to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, given Bangladesh's self-sufficiency in food production. The event was attended by various healthcare officials, including the secretary of the health department and the Director General of the Department of Health, among others.