<div><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said the government will provide free health care services worth Tk 50,000 to some 15 lakh poor families in six districts.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>“We have expanded the ‘health security programme’ to six districts instead of one district. As a result, 15 lakh families will get free health services worth Tk 50,000,” he said at a programme at the ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>The services will be available in Manikganj, Barishal, Barguna, Laxmipur, Kurigram and Dhaka North and South city Corporations, he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The government has a plan to extend the services to all districts in phases, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>The health services will be provided targeting poor families and 15,000-20,000 families from one upazila have been enrolled under the programme, said the minister.</div><div><br></div><div>“We are giving priority to primary health services. Already, a booklet has been prepared and being distributed in all schools. The booklet contains guidelines on the food students should eat to remain healthy and fit,” said Maleque.</div><div><br></div><div>Replying to a question about fourth doses of Covid-19, the minister said no expired vaccines are being used and so there is no need to panic, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>He also asked all not to be misled by any rumour regarding the issue.</div><div><br></div><div>On the Nipah virus, he also said that the virus is now under control as no new patient has been detected now.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>