Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in hospitals nationwide, highlighting the necessity for quality medical services.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President remarked on the critical shortfall of doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical assistants in the country, underscoring the importance of expedited recruitment and training to fill these gaps.
During his address at the Annual Scientific Conference and AGM-2026 of the Society of Otolaryngologists and Head-Neck Surgeons of Bangladesh at the Hotel InterContinental, the President noted that numerous medical devices remain unused due to insufficient skilled personnel capable of operating them.
He specifically mentioned that even vital equipment such as dialysis machines are left idle, calling for a change in this situation by ensuring the recruitment and training of necessary manpower alongside the procurement of medical equipment. He cited a government initiative to procure medical equipment worth around Tk 16,000 crore, pointing out that similar purchases in the past have not been fully utilized due to manpower shortages.
The President expressed concern over the inadequate healthcare services in rural areas, noting that people outside major cities are not receiving proper medical treatment due to issues like mismanagement, negligence, and corruption. He urged authorities to take effective steps to resolve these longstanding problems, emphasizing healthcare as a fundamental right.
Furthermore, the President called on physicians to demonstrate kindness and compassion towards patients, and he acknowledged the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to the healthcare sector's development. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring "Health For All."
The event also included speeches from various officials, including the Social Welfare Minister, Health and Family Welfare Minister, and other distinguished guests, who addressed the audience as special guests.