World Bank praises Bangladesh for rapid medical response to Rohingyas

Shamim Ahmad, Washington, D.C, 29 November 2017: Two Vice-Presidents of World Bank profusely praised the Bangladesh Health Ministry for rapid response to the health needs of tens of thousands of distressed Rohingyas who took shelter in Cox’s Bazar to escape atrocities in Rakhine state by the Myanmar military.Ms. Annette Dixon, Regional Vice President and Mr. Keith Hansen, Vice President for Human Development of the World Bank made the appreciations during separate meetings with Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim at World Bank Head Office in Washington, D.C. Tuesday.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and World Bank were present.

During the meetings, the World Bank executives also lauded the progress in the Bangladesh health sector, particularly the establishment of community clinics to reach medical facilities to the people in rural areas.

Ms. Dixon and Mr. Keith pledged continued support for the displaced Rohingyas and overall health sector of Bangladesh.

Since August 25, 2017, around 6,50,000 forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingyas) took shelter in Bangladesh.

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave shelter to these persecuted Rohingyas on humanitarian ground.

He said the health facilities that the government currently has in Cox’s Bazar are now over-stretched and doctors and nurses are working day-and-night to respond to this emergency.

Nasim said the Ministry of Health earlier had sent a request to the World Bank for financial assistance of US$ 250 million to address the needs of these displaced Rohingyas and hoped quick response from the Bank in this regard.