News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, Sept 7, 2026 (BSS) - The government has taken a number of initiatives to make family planning activities more effective and ensure uninterrupted reproductive health services amid the country's growing population, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain told Parliament today.
Replying to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Advocate Md Jalal Uddin (Kishoreganj-2) in the House, he said the government has initiated measures to restore the supply of contraceptives, essential medicines and medical equipment after shortages disrupted family planning activities over the past three years.
"The supply of contraceptives and necessary medicines is expected to return to normal within the next two to three months," the minister said.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, in the chair, he said the procurement process for contraceptives, essential medical equipment and medicines has reached the final stage, while the authorities continue work to complete the procurement and ensure supplies at the grassroots level.
The minister said the government has formulated strategies in line with its election manifesto, the National Population Policy and commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Ensuring human resource development, protecting public health, improving quality and ensuring healthcare services at all levels are among the government's major objectives," he said.
The Health Minister said the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) provides family planning, maternal and child health, reproductive health, adolescent health and nutrition services from the national level to the grassroots through client-centred services, counselling and information.
The services operate through three specialised hospitals under the DGFP-the Maternal and Child Health Training Institute in Azimpur, Mohammadpur Fertility Services and Training Centre, and Maternal and Child Health Training Institute in Mirpur-as well as maternal and child welfare centres, union health and family welfare centres, home visits, satellite clinics and courtyard meetings at district, upazila and union levels.
The government also runs school health education programmes in secondary schools across the country to prevent child marriage and adolescent pregnancy and increase health awareness among adolescents, the minister said.
On manpower shortages in the family planning sector, he said the government has taken steps to fill vacant posts.
The minister said the DGFP has 1,549 sanctioned entry-level posts for Medical Officers (MCH-FP), of which 807 remain vacant.
Proposals have been sent to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) through the administrative ministry for recommendations to appoint Medical Officers (MCH-FP) through the 45th, 46th, 47th and 50th BCS examinations. The proposals seek recommendations for 441, 49, 138 and 48 officers, respectively.
He said the DGFP has also started assessing its manpower requirements for different grades and obtaining clearance to fill existing vacant posts to ensure family planning and maternal and child health services.
Regarding recruitment to 1,080 posts of Family Welfare Visitors, the minister said four cases have been filed with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. The government has lost three of the cases, while Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal No. 3/26 remains pending.
"Further action can be taken after a decision in the pending case," he said.
The minister further said the government will begin recruitment to the posts of Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers and Pharmacists at Union Health and Family Welfare Centres after finalisation of the proposed "Directorate General of Family Planning Non-Cadre Employees Recruitment Rules, 2024".
He said these measures aim to strengthen family planning services and ensure maternal, child, reproductive and adolescent health services across the country.
