Bangladesh will see the establishment of 516 new community clinics, according to Md Akhtaruzzaman, managing director of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust.
On Wednesday, he said 5,080 community clinics currently in vulnerable condition will also be repaired or relocated.
Akhtaruzzaman explained that the new clinics will be funded by JICA, while OPEC will finance the repair and relocation projects.
"When the government originally planned community clinics, the aim was to have one for every 6,000 people or within a 30-minute walking distance. But in reality, that has not been possible in all areas," he said.
"In hilly regions, haor wetlands, and Char areas, a single clinic often serves 10,000 to 15,000 people. Staff there struggle to provide adequate healthcare. To fill this gap, we are expanding the network of community clinics."
Land for new clinics is donated by local benefactors, with construction and medical services provided by the government.
Akhtaruzzaman said applications for clinics are being received nationwide.
"bdnews24.com
