DHAKA, Sept 8, 2022 (BSS) - A competition titled 'Innovation Challenge 
Competition on Pregnancy Monitoring 2022' has been launched to find out 
innovative ideas for the development of pregnancy monitoring services, 
providing information regarding child health and ensuring emergency 
healthcare services.

Senior Secretary of the ICT Division NM Zeaul Alam today inaugurated the 
competition as the chief guest at a virtual function, said a press release 
here.

a2i, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), International Centre for 
Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and Obstetrical and 
Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) are jointly organizing the event. 

Interested innovators in the country have been asked to submit their 
proposals of innovative ideas on the pregnancy monitoring by October 8 next, 
the release said, adding that detailed information regarding the competition 
is available on the website challenge.gov.bd.

Through the competition, such an innovative proposal will be awarded, which 
will ensure every woman's access to emergency services during her pregnancy 
and health care for everyday need.

Following a three-tire evaluation, an idea will get Taka 1 crore as seed 
money in phases for the innovation.

Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Additional Secretary (medical 
education wing) Nitish Chandra Sarkar, Health Services Division Additional 
Secretary (admin wing) Md Saidur Rahman, Directorate General of Family 
Planning (DGFP) Director General Shahan Ara Banu, Directorate General of 
Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) Director General Siddika Akter joined the 
virtual event as special guests.

a2i Project Director (joint secretary) Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir 
presided over the event while its Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury and Head of 
Technology of the a2i Innovation Lab Faruk Ahmed Jwel took part in the event 
as panel discussants.