Alarming maternity care gap: Only 18% mothers use govt hospitals

In Bangladesh, only 18% of mothers' use government hospitals, while 82% rely on private care—a stark and unfortunate gap in ensuring safe maternity services, said Professor Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Speaking at a World Health Day 2025 discussion today (20 April) in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, he said, "Even after 54 years of independence, if a state cannot take responsibility for the childbirth of all its mothers, it is a major failure."

 "Of course, the contribution of the private sector must be acknowledged, but this is one of the core responsibilities of the state," he added.

He added, "Private sectors will do their part, but 18/82 is unacceptable — it shows the state is falling short in supporting mothers.  We, as the interim government, will remain for a short time, but we want to bring this issue forward as a policy priority for future leaders."

At the event, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum said that everyone must work together in a united effort to ensure maternal and child health protection. "I firmly believe that through collective efforts, we can ensure a bright and healthy future for our mothers and children," she stated.

The health adviser further said, "The birth of a child shapes not just a family's future, but the nation's. Ensuring safe childbirth and newborn health secures a stronger tomorrow."

She added that the government is working to ensure gynecological care, safe deliveries, newborn care, and proper nutrition for both mothers and children.

"Achieving this goal needs not just government action, but public awareness, family and societal support, dedicated healthcare workers, and technological innovation," she added. 

"To ensure safe childbirth, each of us must step forward, provide proper care to pregnant mothers, and make healthcare more accessible and integrated."

Adviser Nurjahan Begum emphasised the need for collective efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rates to the lowest level by 2030.  "Ensuring maternal and child health requires proper antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendance, access to healthcare facilities, child nutrition, immunisation, and health education," she added.