Dhaka: Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain has highlighted the necessity of evolving the healthcare system in Bangladesh with a focus on the long-term and sustainable needs spanning the next 50 years. "We will not remain forever, but the country and its people will. Therefore, we must develop healthcare in a long-term and sustainable manner, considering the needs of the next 50 years," he stated.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister delivered his remarks while serving as the chief guest at the 'The First Open Heart Surgery Day' and the 'Cardiovascular Surgical Conference of NICVD-2026' held at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Prof Dr SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was present as a special guest.
Minister Zahid Hossain emphasized that providing free emergency healthcare is a state responsibility, stressing the importance of aligning this with the country's financial capabilities. He paid homage to the contributions of renowned physicians and experts who played a critical role in modernizing cardiac treatment in Bangladesh. He also acknowledged Japan's support in providing technical and technological assistance in training skilled surgeons during the initial phases of cardiac treatment in the country.
The minister noted the increasing prevalence of heart and congenital heart diseases, cautioning that failure to address these effectively could impact the country's productive workforce in the future. To ensure cardiac treatment remains affordable, the government has eliminated taxes on valves and stents used in medical procedures.
He also remarked on the significant reduction in the tendency of seeking medical treatment abroad due to the expansion of modern healthcare services within the country. The government has allocated Tk 1.43 lakh crore for social safety-net initiatives to alleviate people's hardships and enhance public welfare, urging affluent individuals in society to participate in such humanitarian efforts alongside the government.
Prof Dr SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, speaking as a special guest, affirmed Bangladesh's capacity to provide advanced treatment for various heart diseases. He mentioned the government's earnest efforts to ensure public health, overcoming past irregularities, and securing the highest allocation for the health sector in the national budget.
Before the discussion, a colorful rally was held, and the minister planted a neem tree on the NICVD premises. Open-heart surgery began globally in 1953 under Dr John Heysham Gibbon, and Bangladesh marked its milestone with the first successful open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass at NICVD in Dhaka on September 18, 1981. This day is annually observed as 'The First Open Heart Surgery Day' in Bangladesh to celebrate this historic achievement.
The event was attended by the NICVD director, noted cardiac surgeons, physicians, nurses, officials, employees, and media professionals.