Despite the closure of all government institutions across the country during the Eid holidays, Union Health and Family Welfare Centers (UHFWCs) remained operational, ensuring round-the-clock institutional delivery services for the general public.
To meet the emergency healthcare needs of expectant mothers, the UHFWCs in Kalkini, Dasar, and Sadar upazilas of Madaripur district have been providing uninterrupted services.
The health workers and midwives stationed at these centers continued their duties with dedication, ensuring safe deliveries and emergency maternal care at a time when most medical facilities remained closed due to the extended holiday period.
Round-the-Clock Services for Maternal and Child Healthcare
Upazila Family Planning Officer Abdur Rahman stated that Family Welfare Visitors (FWVs) and healthcare workers remained on duty during the Eid break, providing essential maternal and child healthcare services. "Even during the holidays, our service centers have been fully functional to ensure that pregnant women receive institutional delivery care without disruption," he said.
He further added that UHFWCs have gained the trust of the people over time as a reliable healthcare facility, especially for safe childbirth and emergency maternal care. In addition to delivery services, emergency healthcare facilities remained available at Mother and Child Welfare Centers (MCWCs), allowing access to treatment for various maternal and neonatal complications.
However, several unions have vacant positions for Family Welfare Visitors. If these vacancies are filled quickly, the general public will benefit even more, ensuring better access to healthcare services at their doorstep, added Rahman.
Locals Express Satisfaction with Free Services
Many residents of the area expressed their appreciation for the continued healthcare services during Eid. A beneficiary, Sharmin Akter, who gave birth at the center in Kalkini Upazila, said, “I was worried about where to go if I needed medical help during the holidays, but the health center was open and provided excellent care. I am grateful to the staff who worked even on Eid.”
The centers not only ensured institutional deliveries but also provided essential medical services such as family planning consultations, adolescent healthcare, maternal and child immunizations, and postnatal care.
Strengthening Grassroots Healthcare in Bangladesh
The role of Union Health and Family Welfare Centers in delivering free maternal and child healthcare services at the grassroots level has been crucial.
With the increasing number of institutional deliveries, these centers have become an affordable and trusted alternative to private hospitals, ensuring that even underprivileged communities can access quality healthcare.
Health officials emphasized that these efforts align with Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
By ensuring uninterrupted services during national holidays, UHFWCs continue to play a key role in strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and promoting safe motherhood practices.
