Healthcare must rise above politics
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has urged physicians to dedicate themselves to ensuring healthcare access for all citizens.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the two-day Civil Surgeon Conference-2025 on Monday, Dr. Yunus called on healthcare professionals to use their expertise to drive meaningful change in the country’s healthcare system.
The conference, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) in the capital, marks the first-ever Civil Surgeon Conference in Bangladesh. Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum also addressed the event, among other key speakers.
In his speech, Dr. Yunus expressed confidence that improving healthcare services in Bangladesh by 25 percent is achievable using existing medical facilities and equipment. “If we set our minds to change the current situation, I believe we can improve our healthcare services by 25 percent with what we already have,” he stated.
He went on to emphasise that the Civil Surgeon Conference represents the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s health sector. “This marks the start of a new journey for our healthcare system, and I hope it will inspire a shift in mindset throughout the profession,” he said.
Dr Yunus highlighted the unprecedented transformation currently underway in Bangladesh, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for significant change. “It is doubtful that such sweeping changes occur even in a thousand years,” he noted, urging the medical community to take full advantage of the current moment.
The Chief Adviser stressed that physicians must adapt to new challenges, rejecting outdated approaches to healthcare. “We are no longer in the caves,” he asserted. “The age of darkness is over. We have the strength and knowledge to bring about transformative changes.”
Dr Yunus also highlighted that improving healthcare does not necessarily require extensive infrastructure. “Doctors can provide services anywhere, particularly in emergencies,” he said, underscoring the importance of leveraging available resources effectively.
In his address, Dr Yunus also called for swift implementation of the Health Reform Commission’s recommendations, which aim to overhaul the healthcare system.
He reiterated the need to reduce corruption within the sector and stressed that healthcare should remain free from political interference. “Doctors have a moral responsibility to serve humanity. We can transform this sector significantly, even with our current resources,” he concluded.
In her speech, Nurjahan Begum emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations to enhance healthcare services.
She also announced the creation of 7,000 supernumerary positions, including 7,000 new doctors and additional nursing staff, to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
The Adviser further called on civil surgeons to take strict measures to combat the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, urging the government to raise taxes on tobacco products to safeguard public health.
The two-day conference is expected to serve as a platform for civil surgeons to share ideas and collaborate on solutions to improve healthcare delivery across Bangladesh.