Healthcare services to figure agenda

Addressing at a press briefing in a city hotel, the minister said the declaration would strengthen health workforce to implement the decisions of the meeting.

Health ministers of eleven member states of WHO in South-East Asia Region would participate in the two-day meeting to enhance regional cooperation with a view to developing the health care services, preventing diseases with a concerted effort and improving overall health status in the region, he added.

The ministers will discuss several issues of common interest including revised strategy for malaria control in the South East Asia Region, global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, pandemic- influenza preparedness and response, recovery activities in countries affected by the earthquake and tsunamis and regional commitment on strengthening public health work force in SEAR countries.

The health ministers' meeting will be followed by the 59th session of the Regional Committee for the South-East Asia Region from August 22-25.

Issues to be discussed in the Regional Committee include promoting patient safety at health care institutions, alcohol consumption control policy options in the South-East Asia Region, and regional initiatives for eradication of tropical diseases and international trade and health.

WHO Regional Director Dr Samlee Plianbangchang will present a report on the work of WHO in the South-East Asia Region in the last year. Besides the programme budget, the delegates will discuss the regional implications of the decisions and resolutions of the recent World Health Assembly and the sessions of the Executive Board.

WHO Deputy Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO representative in Bangladesh Dr Duangvadee Sungkhobol and Secretary to the health ministry AKM Zafarullah Khan were present at the press briefing.