BSS, Dhaka :
The Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad
Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said that investing on reproductive healthcare ensures economic growth and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
She said this while addressing a session as the keynote speaker entitled ‘Economic benefits of addressing reproductive health in a development agenda’ here in Sixth International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the IPC Development Program of Action (IPCI) at the Sweden Parliament (Riksdag) in Stockholm on Thursday.
Referring to the commitments of ICPD held in 1994 in Cairo, Dr Shirin said that demographic changes of population shape influence the process of development. Investment in health and education of women enables their full and equal participation in economic, social and political participation, she said. Rights based and gender responsive policies help and contribute to address and harness population dynamics and development, she added.
The Speaker said that in Bangladesh high priority has been attached to reproductive healthcare targeting the reduction of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to 143 per 100,000 live births by 2015. Bangladesh succeeded in reducing MMR to 194 per 100,000 live births which is a 40 percent decline in 9 years, she added. Improved access to healthcare programs, higher female education with particular focus on reproductive health issues, increased awareness about reproductive health, better economic condition and social safety net programs have positive impacts on national economy. Such programs benefit family, children and the society at large, she said.
She said that for economic engagement, income generation and employment, health is of utmost significance. Healthy and productive mothers devote greater time and financial resources to each child leading to reduction in public expenditure on healthcare, education and social services.
