Desperate state of maternal healthcare

FE Team | Published: September 15, 2025 20:55:50

The dismal state of maternal and newborn healthcare in Rangpur Division reflects the deep regional disparities in our country. The division experiences neonatal and infant mortality rates far above the national average, along with a worryingly high maternal mortality rate. These statistics are not isolated incidents; they underscore years of neglect by state and government policymakers.
A major contributing factor is the high rate of child marriage. While the national rate of girls marrying before 18 is 27 per cent, in Rangpur it reaches 63 per cent. Consequently, pregnancies among girls under 19 are alarmingly common, placing severe strain on the health of both mother and child. These teenage mothers are children themselves, physically and mentally unprepared for parenthood.
Coordination among healthcare facilities is another challenge. Union Health and Family Welfare Centers are poorly linked with community clinics, making it difficult to extend services to marginalized communities. Additionally, the lack of skilled personnel and modern infrastructure in government hospitals deprives many people of essential care.
The Ministry of Health cannot address these challenges alone. Collaboration with the education sector, social welfare services, and local administration is essential. Transportation facilities, especially ambulance services, must be provided to ensure healthcare access in remote char areas.
No national-level healthcare success can be achieved without addressing the crisis in Rangpur. Separate allocations, dedicated manpower, and targeted programs are urgently needed. Government initiatives alone are insufficient; public-private partnerships can strengthen healthcare centers, with the government supplying manpower and the private sector investing in infrastructure. All relevant authorities, including the Directorate General of Health Services, must prioritise this crisis and seriously consider expert recommendations for the Rangpur region.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager, Tianjin Pharmacn Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com