Labaid hospital launches Saleha Ahmed labour suite
The Saleha Ahmed Labour Suite has commenced operations with six specialised beds dedicated to facilitating natural childbirth at Labaid Hospital.
The initiative, launched by the hospital's Gynaecology Department, aims to provide comprehensive maternity care, with a particular focus on promoting safe and natural delivery.
The labour suite has been named in honour of Saleha Ahmed, Chairperson of Labaid Group. The centre has been established under the supervision of Major Professor Dr Laila Arjumand Banu (retd.), Senior Gynaecologist, along with a team of specialist physicians. The facility aims to offer continuous care to women from early pregnancy through the antenatal period and up to childbirth.
The Saleha Ahmed Labour Suite was formally inaugurated by Dr A M Shamim, Managing Director of Labaid Group, in the presence of Saleha Ahmed. Labaid Group Director, Dr Sucharita Ahmed; Chief Executive Officer of Labaid Hospital, Ahmad Dawood; Head of Operations, Iftekhar Ahmed; Medical Directors, physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Professor Dr Laila Arjumand Banu outlined the objectives and planned activities of the centre. She stated that many women in Bangladesh fear natural childbirth and therefore opt for caesarean delivery, even when it is not medically necessary. This trend, she noted, increases health risks for both mothers and newborns.
"Our goal is to reduce fear surrounding natural childbirth and encourage women to choose it whenever medically appropriate," she said, adding that unnecessary caesarean sections contribute to higher maternal and neonatal risks.
To address concerns related to labour pain, the centre will prepare expectant mothers through counselling and training programmes well before delivery. According to Dr Banu, the initiative will focus on improving both physical and mental well-being throughout pregnancy, while building confidence among mothers to cope with labour pain during natural childbirth.
She added that successful healthcare outcomes depend not only on physicians but also on informed and prepared patients. The Saleha Ahmed Labour Suite will therefore play a key role in educating expectant mothers about their responsibilities, supporting mental health, and strengthening confidence for safe and natural delivery.
