Dhaka South City signs MoU with Department of Nursing and Midwifery

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Nursing and Midwifery to implement midwifery-led sexual and reproductive health services in selected urban health centres.

The ceremony was held at the Buriganga meeting room of Nagar Bhaban and presided over by DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Zahirul Islam.

The agreement was initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), with participation from Jhpiego Bangladesh. It is being described as a significant step for urban healthcare in Dhaka.

Under the MoU, the Department of Nursing and Midwifery will provide technical guidance, training, workshops and professional development opportunities for midwives. It will also assist in creating permanent midwifery positions in line with national policies.

DSCC will provide infrastructure, medical equipment and administrative support to integrate midwives into urban healthcare. The agreement also includes commitments to improve the quality of services and ensure affordable healthcare for city residents.

The MoU was signed by Md. Zahirul Islam on behalf of DSCC and Md. Anwar Hossain Akand, Director General (Additional Responsibilities) of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery.

In his speech, the DSCC CEO said, "This MoU has opened new horizons in protecting the health of mothers and newborns and reducing maternal and child mortality." He added that DSCC is committed to expanding delivery and maternity services across its health centres and will introduce midwifery services in phases. Round-the-clock midwifery services are already available at Dhaka Metropolitan General Hospital and Nazirabazar Maternity Hospital.

Speaking as a special guest, UNFPA Bangladesh Representative Dr. Abu Said Hasan said the partnership was an important step in delivering sustainable and high-quality sexual and reproductive health services in Dhaka South City and would contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signing was attended by Dhaka South City Corporation Secretary Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Chief Health Officer (Sr.) Dr. Nishat Parveen, and representatives from DGNM, UNFPA, Jhpiego, development partners, and national and international NGOs.