Basic healthcare remains a neglected reality for vulnerable, climate-affected and isolated coastal char communities, speakers said at a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday, stressing that ensuring healthcare protection for these marginalised populations is now a matter of fundamental justice.
They noted that char dwellers are facing a “double crisis”— the impacts of climate change and a severe lack of healthcare services – warning that in such remote areas, where survival is a daily struggle, development will remain merely statistical unless it brings tangible change.
“Health for all” cannot remain just a slogan, they said, urging concrete action in this regard.
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The speakers emphasised the need to strengthen maternal healthcare services through the establishment of community clinics and safe maternity centres in char areas, alongside modern and regular training for midwives to manage complications effectively.
They also called for introducing boat ambulances, floating clinics and mobile medical teams to ensure accessibility in remote regions, with priority given to infrastructure, skilled human resources and adequate medical supplies.
The press conference titled “Basic Healthcare: A Neglected Reality in Char Areas” was jointly organised by COAST Foundation, EquityBD and the BDCSO Process at the National Press Club with M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation and Chief Moderator of EquityBD, in the chair.
Among others, Mostafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of BDCSO Process, and Syed Ashraf Hossain of Society for Development Initiatives spoke, while MA Hasan of COAST Foundation presented the keynote paper.
Rezaul Karim said nearly 10 million people living in char areas are facing a dual crisis driven by climate change and limited access to healthcare.
He noted that disrupted communication during disasters leaves these communities isolated with little to no access to medical services, while inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of skilled personnel and insufficient medical equipment deprive them of even basic care.
Rezaul Karim stressed that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a luxury, and called for expanding telemedicine services through 4G connectivity in char areas to facilitate access to MBBS doctors.
Mostafa Kamal called for allocating at least 40% of the upcoming budget to primary healthcare and expanding community clinics, union health centres and mobile medical teams in char regions.
MA Hasan proposed creating a separate budget line titled “Char Health Sector” to ensure targeted allocation for these communities and eliminate discriminatory approaches.