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The government will set up “Shishu Swarga” facilities in 22 districts by 1 July next year to ensure comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for around 350,000 children living with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit has said.
He made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at an event marking World Cerebral Palsy Day at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday morning. State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmed Sohel Manjur also spoke as a special guest at the event.
State Minister Dr Muhit said, “A study has found that at least 350,000 children in the country are living with cerebral palsy. Yet, last year, only 3,300 children were able to receive treatment at the outpatient department of NINS, one of the country’s leading institutions. The vast majority of these children remain virtually invisible. Due to family limitations and social realities, many of them remain confined to dark rooms. As a state, we want to restore these children’s rights and human dignity.”
He said the health sector is receiving the highest budgetary allocation and priority following special instructions from the Prime Minister. As part of this initiative, “Shishu Swarga” facilities are being established in 22 districts to provide treatment and rehabilitation services to children affected by cerebral palsy. In addition, a pilot project was recently launched by the government in Korail slum, where services are currently being provided to around 300 identified children.
Dr Muhit further said that establishing a community-based early case detection system—to identify the condition at an early stage—is crucial to ensuring that healthcare services reach children in remote areas.
Praising the tireless efforts of doctors and healthcare workers, State Minister Dr MA Muhit said, “Despite numerous limitations, healthcare workers are providing services to a large number of patients every day.” He called for collective cooperation from everyone involved in the health sector to ensure a universal and inclusive healthcare system for children with disabilities.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/national/1f1c18cd-8cc3-65c0-ae79-38687242cefb