Robotics and Physiotherapy Push: Homegrown Healthcare Hopes Highlighted by Health Advisor
In a bid to reduce dependency on foreign healthcare and curb national expenditure, Nurjahan Begum, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Bangladesh's interim government, has announced plans to introduce advanced, technology-driven medical services within the country.
She made the remarks on Tuesday, May 13, while addressing the 52nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) as the chief guest. The event was held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
Sharing her vision for the healthcare sector, the health advisor said, “We want to introduce technology-based services like robotics and physiotherapy so that our people no longer have to travel abroad for treatment. A proposal has been submitted to increase doctors’ salaries, and we hope it will be implemented soon. But until salaries are raised, should medical services come to a halt?”
She announced that the government has decided to promote 7,000 doctors, a move she believes will enhance their sense of responsibility.
Expressing concern over mismanagement in healthcare delivery, Nurjahan Begum said, “From hospital admission to other services, access is still not easy for the general public. Doctors are not reporting to hospitals on time. If they fail to regularly fulfill their duties, the desired improvements in healthcare will remain elusive.”
She also questioned the professional ethics of medical practitioners and called for structural reforms. “Reform must begin from within, then be applied where needed. Otherwise, only the ruler will change but not the situation,” she said. “Those who are doing well must be given responsibility and posted across the country—if needed, even at higher pay.”
The conference was presided over by OSB Convener Professor Dr. Md. Shahab Uddin. Other speakers included Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor; Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division; Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice Chancellor of BMU; Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); and Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME).
Professor Dr. Md. Shahab Uddin also delivered the welcome speech on behalf of OSB.
The three-day conference brings together ophthalmologists from home and abroad. Organizers hope the event will pave the way for positive transformation in the country’s ophthalmic care landscape.
