News Flash
DHAKA, June 25, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has said that increasing public awareness is crucial to prevent deaths from heart disease.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a programme organized by the Patients Welfare Association of the Social Service Office of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital on providing financial assistance to congenital heart patients.
He said that around 993,000 new people are affected by heart disease every year in the country, while more than 100 heart disease patients die every day.
To address this alarming situation, he stressed that awareness-building is essential alongside medical treatment.
Health and Family Welfare State Minister Dr. M A Muhit attended the programme as the special guest.
Dr Zahid said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and in line with the electoral commitments of the premier, the Ministry of Social Welfare is working tirelessly to improve the living standards of neglected and marginalized communities.
He added that efforts are underway to build a humanitarian Bangladesh for all.
He also said that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, the government is advancing the country with the slogan "Will work; build the country, Bangladesh first."
Referring to the implementation of BNP’s electoral pledges to the people, he said that the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare are continuing social safety net programmes alongside awareness campaigns.
He emphasized healthy lifestyle practices, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing salt and fat intake and routine health check-ups for heart disease prevention.
He said a special support package has been introduced for heart patients of women and children adding that around TK 300 crore has been disbursed in the past year for patients with complicated diseases.
The budget allocation for such support is being increased to TK 600 crore.
He added that the Prime Minister does not believe anyone should discontinue treatment or education due to financial constraints.
Special social safety networks are being developed for persons with disabilities, the elderly and marginalized groups so that no one suffers due to lack of treatment, he added.
State Minister Dr Muhit said the government is restructuring the health sector to ensure healthcare for reaching people’s doorsteps under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said priority is being given to modernizing heart disease treatment and strengthening awareness for prevention.
He added that the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases is being equipped with modern equipment and specialist doctors.
The state minister further said that large-scale awareness campaigns are being conducted nationwide, focusing on health education in rural areas, regular screening camps, tobacco control, healthy diet habits and increased physical activity.
He also said that free treatment is being provided for children with congenital heart disease and more patients will be brought under this support in the future while expanding the network of heart treatment centres across the country.
At the programme, 100 congenital heart patients were given financial assistance of TK 50,000 each.
Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Professor Dr. Abdul Wadud Chowdhury chaired the programme, which was also addressed among others by Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf, Director General of the Department of Social Services Shah Mohammad Mahbub.
