DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina categorically said that the rate of poor people in the country has come down below 25 percent as the government ensured primary healthcare and gave priority to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“We have ensured the food and nutrition of the people with low income. This is why the poverty rate has come down below 25 percent from 40 percent in 2005,” she added.

The premier made the observation while inaugurating the 32nd conference of the Health Ministers from South East Asian Region of World Health Organization (WHO) in city.

She also said, “We have succeeded in achieving the MDG-4 in 2012 and moving in the right direction to achieve MDG-5.”

“We had given priority to health sector after forming the government in 2009, composed up-to-date Health Policy,” she added.

The premier also said that the incumbent government has opened 13,000 community clinics and appointed trained health officials and provided with laptops and internet connection.

The 67th WHO Regional Committee Conference also has started at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in city on Tuesday.

WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan is presiding over the inauguration ceremony.

Health Ministers from 11 South East Asian countries are taking part in the four-day conference.

BDST: 1328 HRS, SEP 09, 2014