Health Secretary Mohammad Saidur Rahman -File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 24, 2025 (BSS) - Health Secretary Mohammad Saidur Rahman today called upon all to ensure involvement of non-government organizations (NGOs) in the health sector more visible in strengthening health care services.

"It is not possible for the government alone to fulfill the responsibility of providing healthcare service to 20 crore people in the country. For this, NGOs must play a more responsible role," he said this at a view-exchange meeting at NGO Affairs Bureau head office at Agargaon.

The secretary said that they must work sincerely to raise people's health awareness not only for money but also humanitarian responsibility.

He said that after the interim government assumed the state responsibility, there has been tremendous progress in the health sector.

"A large rally was held in Dhaka with all civil surgeons of the country during this government's tenure. They were instructed for cooperating NGOs in the health sector," Rahman said.

He said that works in health sector should be visible and NGOs should inform the Ministry of Health about the progress of the work.

Director General of the Directorate General of Health Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar said that according to the organization's 2022 survey, it is possible to get rid of 42 percent of diseases with proper diet. Therefore, NGO workers should work more sincerely to increase health awareness.

He said that 4.93 crore children will be vaccinated against typhoid simultaneously across the country on October 12, adding, "On that day, NGOs should continue to cooperate in vaccinating children, leaving aside other work."

Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau said that the current government provided sufficient support to NGOs to run their activities in the health sector. 

"Now they (NGOs) should provide proper support to the government and ensure their own work and responsibilities," he said.

Officials over 40 NGOs in the country were present at the event.