Actress Masuma Rahman Nabila, known for her active involvement in social advocacy alongside her acting career, has urged the government to increase investment and budgetary allocations for maternal and newborn healthcare in the Rangpur region. Speaking at a press briefing held at a convention hall on Central Road in Rangpur on Monday, August 17, Nabila stressed the critical need for ensuring high-quality medical services at public health centers.
During her visit to the region, Nabila conducted a firsthand inspection of health initiatives operating under the ‘Jononi’ project, evaluating the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns. She engaged in discussions with expectant and postpartum mothers, their families, local representatives, health workers, and young advocates working to prevent child marriage. She underscored the importance of a collective effort to combat child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, which remain significant health challenges in the area.
Nabila highlighted that improving public healthcare requires more than just funding; it necessitates better training for health workers, strategic deployment to areas of need, and the creation of safe, professional working environments. She argued that such improvements would significantly bolster public trust in government health facilities. Furthermore, she emphasized the necessity of ensuring that quality care reaches remote and riverine areas, including the implementation of efficient referral systems to transport patients to advanced facilities when required.
The ‘Jononi’ project, which Nabila praised for its vital role in supporting government efforts, is currently operating across 40 unions in the Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts. The initiative is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, funded by KOICA, and receives technical support from Save the Children, with RDRS Bangladesh serving as the implementing partner. The project is primarily focused on ensuring safe deliveries, developing a skilled workforce, and raising social awareness regarding maternal and child health.
The press briefing was attended by several notable figures, including Save the Children officials Dr. Golam Fakhruddin Fahim, Dr. Ujjal Kumar Roy, Mohammad Farazduk Bhuiyan, and Ashfaq Zaman. Nabila concluded by reiterating that with targeted attention and increased investment, it is entirely possible to secure safe and standardized medical treatment for mothers and infants throughout the Rangpur region.
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