Renowned cardiologist and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ – integrated care and support for children with disabilities – at Korail Slum in the capital.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare arranged the event at the slum ground (Ershad Ground) in the afternoon.

Before inaugurating the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ aimed at ensuring healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, Zubaida Rahman visited various stalls displaying educational materials and essential products for children with special needs.

This is the first national initiative in Bangladesh to provide integrated healthcare services for children with disabilities, with plans to expand it nationwide in phases.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit attended the event as the keynote speaker.

Special guests included State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder, and Executive Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury presided over the programme, while Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas attended as co-chair.

As part of the healthcare and rehabilitation activities for persons with disabilities, a seminar on the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ was also held.

Among the distinguished guests at the seminar were UNICEF acting Representative in Bangladesh Stanley Gwavuya, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam (Riju), Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan, and Prime Minister’s Assistant Personal Physician Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir (Bitu), among others.

The ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ initiative aims to identify children with disabilities across the country and ensure integrated healthcare services, support and social inclusion for them.

The programme formally begins its journey through integrated service delivery for children with disabilities living in the Korail Slum.