The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

A total of 24 health centres, including six upazila health complexes and six district hospitals under six divisions of the country were given 'Best Performance Award-2007' in recognition of their special contribution to 'Emergency Obstetric Care'.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary AKM Zafar Ullah Khan handed over the awards among the recipients at Hotel Sherton on Monday.

Chaired by Line Director of essential service delivery of the health services Dr Saleh Mohammad Rafique, the function was addressed, among others, by Director General of health services Prof Dr MA Faiz, director general of family planning department Quamrun Nessa Khanom and UNICEF representative in Bangladesh Carel de Rooyent as the special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Zafar Ullah Khan said recognition to one's good performance would encourage others to work more.

He said the idea of introducing the awards was to enhance the morale and professional commitment to the persons working in the health sector and improve their skills in emergency obstetric care.

He said about 12,000 women die of pregnancy-related complications annually in the country and added the government and non-government organisations are making efforts to reduce mortality rate in this regard.

Carel de Rooy said the government has made a steady progress in reducing maternal death.

Quamrun Nessa Khanom said the country's entire population is required to bring under improved healthcare facilities, besides arranging multi-dimensional training programmes for health professionals on obstetric and gynecology.

Officials said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is carrying out emergency obstetric care programme in 191 health centres, including 59 district hospitals and 132 upazila health complexes.

The health centres which received awards were Jamalpur District Hospital, Tungipara Upazila Health Complex (UHC)in Gopalgonj district, Manikganj Mother and Child Welfare Centre (MCWC), Feni District Hospital, Fatikchari UHC in Chittagong, Khagrachari MCWC in Chittagong, Kushtia District Hospital in Khulna, Chowgacha UHC in Jessore, Magura MCWC, Joypurhat District Hospital in Rajshahi, Charghat UHC in Rajshahi, Thakurgaon MCWC in Rajshahi, Habiganj District Hospital, Bianibazar UHC in Sylhet, Sunamganj MCWC, Patuakhali District Hospital, Kalapara UCH in Patuakhali, Bhola MCWC, Magura District Hospital, Pabna District Hospital, Khagrachari District Hospital, Fultola UCH in Khulna, Nachol UCH in Chapainawabganj and Banaripara UCH in Barisal.