Health Sector Crisis Rooted in Past Corruption and Policy Gaps, Says State Minister

He made these remarks on Monday morning during the inauguration of a nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign at the Shahjadpur Upazila Health Complex in Sirajganj.

Despite inheriting a fragile healthcare sector, the State Minister emphasized that the current government has launched a massive immunization drive within just one month of taking office.

The Measles Outbreak and Logistics Dr. Muhit alleged that the current administration began its work amidst outdated machinery and environments unsuitable for medical services. He attributed the measles outbreak—which emerged only 15 days after the government’s formation—to a severe shortage of vaccines and systemic mismanagement over the last 15 years. "Measles is a highly contagious disease that is easily preventable with timely vaccination," he stated, "but many children became infected due to the lack of adequate supply in the past."

Current Progress and Future Targets The government has moved swiftly to address the crisis, with 1 million children already vaccinated. Key updates on the campaign include:

• Urban Expansion: An additional 500,000 children have been covered across five City Corporation areas.

• National Target: The government aims to vaccinate another 17.8 million children within the next month.

The State Minister expressed optimism that by building a modern and automated health infrastructure—similar to the standards seen in NATO-member developed nations—the country can overcome this crisis. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials of the local administration and representatives from the Health Department.