10-bed ICU facilities to be Established at District Levels

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has emphasized the need to develop medical students into competent and ethical doctors, stating that private medical colleges have the most significant role to play in this regard.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at the annual conference and reception of the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA), held at 9:00 pm on Saturday, 11 April, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital.

The minister announced that the 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities established in various districts with World Bank funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, which later ceased operations after the project term ended, will be reactivated from next week.

He said, “During the COVID period, 10-bed ICU units were introduced at the district level. However, due to the expiration of the project, these were shut down in December 2024. We have decided to restart them from next week.”

Highlighting the importance of medical education, the minister said that producing skilled doctors is essential to saving lives. He urged the private medical sector to take the lead in motivating students and ensuring regular counseling so that they do not suffer from stress and depression.

Emphasizing ethical education, he added, “The contribution of the private sector to the country’s healthcare system is undeniable. We expect you to carry out your responsibilities with humanity and the highest level of accountability. Patients place their trust in doctors second only to the Creator. Therefore, medical ethics must be given the utmost importance.”

The minister further noted, “We are exploring ways to modernize health education. We will ensure that students receive quality education without experiencing excessive pressure.” He also expressed concern over the rising tendency of suicide among medical students.

Regarding the demand for student loans in medical education, he said, “This system exists in many countries. We are positive about it, but we must consider our financial capacity and the issue of recovery. I will discuss this matter with the Prime Minister.”

The minister also informed that a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles will be conducted on 20 April. He praised doctors for their dedication and patience, noting their remarkable sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the program, the Health Minister was accorded a warm reception and floral greetings. The event was chaired by BPMCA President Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin. Special guests included Director General of the Directorate of Health Education Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam, Registrar of the Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Council Professor Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir Talukder, and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dhaka University Professor Dr. Nadim Ahmed.

Among others, speeches were delivered by BPMCA General Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Moyazzem Hossain, Vice President Mohammad Sahab Uddin, Vice President Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Organizing Secretary Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdus Sabur, and Chairman of Universal Medical College Priti Chakraborty.

Members of the BPMCA executive committee, general members, and invited guests were also present at the event. The program concluded with an engaging musical performance by nationally renowned artists.

Earlier in the afternoon, the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) was held prior to the conference and reception.

DBTech/ EH/ R/ EK/ OR