Mohammad Selim Uddin, amir of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit and a mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, said people are not receiving necessary treatment and diagnostic services properly at government hospitals. He made the remarks on Friday morning at a free medical camp and medicine distribution programme at National Bangla High School ground in Mirpur-2, Dhaka.

Selim Uddin said many people also cannot afford costly treatment and tests at private hospitals because of financial hardship. He stressed that healthcare should be guaranteed as a basic right and said Jamaat organises free medical camps in different places throughout the year to provide services to poor and low-income residents.

He said that, if given responsibility, initiatives would be taken to improve care standards at Dhaka North City hospitals, ensure necessary equipment and provide government treatment at lower cost. He also spoke of bringing hospitals under rapid surgery and other essential services, building international-standard hospitals and reducing the need for people to travel abroad for treatment. The day-long camp served people from Mirpur and nearby areas.