Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged physicians to commit themselves to providing healthcare services for all, as he addressed the inaugural session of the two-day Civil Surgeon Conference-2025 at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) in Dhaka. This conference marks the first of its kind in Bangladesh, aiming to discuss and strategize the future of healthcare in the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus emphasized the potential for a significant improvement in healthcare services, suggesting that with the right mindset, there could be a 25 percent enhancement in services using the existing medical equipment and facilities. He expressed optimism that the conference would initiate a new journey for Bangladesh’s health sector, fostering a transformative mindset among healthcare professionals.
Professor Yunus highlighted the rapid changes occurring in the country, viewing them as a rare opportunity to revolutionize healthcare services. He urged the nation to seize this moment, declaring, “The change of thousand years is being accomplished in our hands. We have been given this opportunity.” He also noted that effective healthcare does not always require extensive infrastructure, as doctors can provide essential services in any location, especially during emergencies.
The Health and Family Welfare Adviser, Nurjahan Begum, also addressed the conference, advocating for collaboration between government and non-government entities to enhance healthcare services. She announced initiatives to promote doctors, including the creation of 7,000 supernumerary posts and the recruitment of 7,000 doctors along with additional nurses.
Nurjahan Begum also called on district civil surgeons to take firm action against tobacco use and e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of significantly increasing taxes on tobacco products to safeguard public health. The conference serves as a platform to discuss the recommendations from the Health Reform Commission, which the interim government is keen to implement swiftly.
Professor Yunus accentuated the critical role of doctors, stating that providing health services transcends political issues as physicians are dedicated to saving lives. He concluded that substantial improvements in the health sector are achievable with the resources currently available.