Dhaka: BNP will initiate essential reforms in the health sector, as outlined in its 31-point reform agenda, should it ascend to power. Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil, Secretary General of the pro-BNP Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and a prominent specialist in asthma, chest diseases, and medicine, discussed his plans and expectations with BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Shakil emphasized that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and citizens desire to avail themselves of medical services domestically rather than abroad. He highlighted that despite significant infrastructural developments in both government and private sectors, there is an ongoing need to enhance treatment methods, improve care quality, and maintain affordable treatment costs. Dr. Shakil, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) and President of the Chest and Heart Association of Bangladesh, asserted that the 31-point agenda set forth by BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would lead to comprehensive health system reforms, encompassing disease prevention, workforce development, and research.
Dr. Shakil noted the remarkable progress in the health sector since independence, with declining child and maternal mortality rates and an increase in average life expectancy to over 72 years. He acknowledged the near-complete implementation of the immunization program and the development of a substantial number of skilled community-level workers. However, he pointed out that a significant portion of the population still lacks basic healthcare, particularly at the Upazila level, where there is a severe shortage of doctors, health workers, and medicines despite substantial infrastructural advancements.
He further elaborated on the challenges faced by the health sector, citing manpower shortages as a significant issue, with approximately 80,000 positions remaining vacant, constituting 32 percent of total approved posts. Notably, 62 percent of nursing and midwifery positions and 40 percent of physician posts are unfilled, with the highest vacancy rate in Sylhet Division at 40 percent and the lowest in Mymensingh Division at 26 percent.
Dr. Shakil underscored the need for improved coordination within the healthcare system and the procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment. He stressed the importance of maintaining affordable treatment costs and establishing recruitment and promotion policies. Addressing the trend of patients seeking treatment abroad, he noted that this often stems from a lack of trust and mismanagement within the domestic healthcare system.
On drug production, Dr. Shakil highlighted Bangladesh's achievement in producing internationally standard medicines and exporting them abroad. However, he pointed out that medicines for complex diseases like heart and liver cancer may still need to be imported. He emphasized the need for a national drug policy to encourage companies to produce quality medicines domestically.
Dr. Shakil called for increased allocations for research and training to develop skilled healthcare professionals and underscored the critical role of nurses in treatment outcomes. He advocated for maintaining the quality of medical education and underscored the necessity of behavioral and procedural improvements between doctors and patients to build trust.
In conclusion, Dr. Shakil stressed the importance of building more government hospitals nationwide and regulating treatment costs through a citizen charter to ensure healthcare accessibility for all. He emphasized the need for clear planning and adequate funding to significantly improve treatment facilities and services, thereby restoring public trust in the healthcare system.