Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque yesterday said the country is going to produce tuberculosis (TB) vaccine soon.

“The Essential Drugs Company Limited, a state-owned pharmaceutical company, has set up a new plant at a cost of Tk 700 crore, where TB vaccine will be produced soon,” the minister told a press conference at his secretariat office, marking World Health Day.

“At present, the country has no shortage [of TB drugs]. The new plant will increase our capacity more,” he said.

Like elsewhere, World Health Day will be observed in the country on Sunday, highlighting equity and solidarity-based comprehensive primary healthcare, Maleque said.

To mark the day, the ministry and socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes.

The events include inauguration of the national programme at Krishibid Institution auditorium, seminars and cultural programmes.

Stressing the need for ensuring equal health services for all, the minister said non-communicable diseases are increasing in the country as 65 percent patients are now affected with such kind of diseases.

But the government is committed that no one remains out of the purview of healthcare, he added.

Replying to a query about enforcing fire safety requirements in government hospitals, the minister said necessary directives were given to the authorities concerned in this regard.

Zahid said the government has a plan to set up primary healthcare corners at all public hospitals for patients, especially mothers and children with disabilities.

Health Service Division Secretary Asadul Islam and Additional Secretary Habibur Rahman, among others, were present on the occasion.