Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum announced that the government is in the final stages of implementing a salary increment scheme for doctors and surgeons. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the professionalism and sacrifices of medical professionals, many of whom have been awaiting promotions and salary adjustments. The announcement was made during the 52nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the OSB Convenor Professor Dr. Md. Shahab Uddin presided over the three-day conference. During her address, Nurjahan Begum stated that the interim government plans to promote 7,000 doctors to enhance their professional dignity and working conditions. This initiative aims to encourage greater responsibility among physicians in government hospitals and health centers.
Nurjahan Begum urged doctors to maintain discipline and emphasized that reform should begin internally. She highlighted the necessity of quality healthcare services in rural and remote areas, detailing the process of appointing doctors in these regions. Doctors would be contractually appointed to areas with severe shortages and would be required to serve where assigned, potentially receiving higher pay to address the ongoing healthcare crisis.
Expressing pride in the treatment provided by ophthalmologists in Bangladesh, she noted that foreign specialists have praised their performance, particularly in treating July fighters. The event also featured speeches from Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Health Services Division Secretary Saidur Rahman, Bangladesh Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahinul Alam, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Professor Dr. Abu Jafar, and Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain.
The conference saw participation from ophthalmology specialists from both domestic and international backgrounds.