Experts at a workshop in Rangpur have called for the delivery of quality services to ensure safe institutional deliveries for rural mothers, aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal mortalities. The 'Star Award Workshop 2026' was organized by the Rangpur Divisional Office of the Department of Family Planning (DFP) at the BRAC Learning Center. The event marked the Golden Jubilee celebration of LAMB Hospital, distributing awards to the best-performing Union Health and Family Welfare Centers (UHFWCs) and Safe Delivery Units (SDUs) in the Rangpur division.
Workshop Highlights and Participants
Divisional Director of the DFP, Bikash Kumar Das, presided over the event. Attendees included Deputy and Additional Directors, Upazila Family Planning Officers, Community Skilled Birth Attendants (CSBAs), and managing committee members from various UHFWCs and SDUs. Guests of honor were Executive Director of LAMB David Chandran, Director of the Community Health and Development Programme (CHDP) Utpal Minj, Convener of the Golden Jubilee celebration committee of LAMB Swapan Pahan, and Deputy Director (Community Health) Nomrota Hawee.
LAMB Hospital's Contributions and Future Plans
Senior Registrar (Obstetric and Gynecology) of LAMB Hospital, Dr. Lalima Akter, presented a PowerPoint detailing LAMB Hospital's activities in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, supported by various donor organizations. LAMB Hospital has been implementing maternal and child health programs for 50 years, in coordination with the DFP of the Bangladesh government. These programs aim to raise awareness about child marriage, sterilization, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and provide check-ups for pregnant mothers, normal delivery services, and emergency referral management through 51 UHFWCs.
In the open discussion, participants shared their experiences and challenges in providing safe deliveries to pregnant mothers from socially disadvantaged rural families. Director of the CHDP of LAMB Hospital, Utpal Minj, assured that the issues raised would be addressed in the future with adequate funding. The speakers highlighted that the 'Star Award' would encourage CSBAs and managing committee members of the award-winning UHFWCs and SDUs to enhance their service delivery programs. Executive Director of LAMB, David Chandran, praised the CSBAs and managing committees for their efforts in reaching reproductive health services to marginalized communities. DFP Divisional Director Bikash Kumar Das congratulated the award winners and expressed hope for continued improvement in service quality.
