The national drug policy and Dr Zafrullah
Dr. Md. Shamsul Arefin :
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury is known more for his work in formulating the Bangladesh National Drug Policy in 1982. He gained prominence by being the driving force in formulating this Drug Policy. Before that, 4,000 commercial drugs were available in the Mitford medicine market, mostly manufactured by the multi-national companies or imported from abroad. Most of the medicines were out of reach for majority of the people because of high price. Again, some of these medicines were unnecessary and even dangerous whereas the most essential 150 remained in short supply and the price of the medicine always beyond the capacity of the general people. Dr Chowdhury drafted National drug policy that restricted import of many unnecessary drugs. It emphasized on manufacturing of generic drugs and manufacturing them locally in our country. The result has been the wider availability of medicines which drastically reduced prices and today, Bangladesh has turned into a medicine exporting country.
In 1992, he was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for outstanding record of promotion of health and human development. He awarded International Public Health Heroes Award, UC Berkeley, US in 2010 and Independence Day Award, Bangladesh in 1977, Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership, Philippines in 1985 and many more international awards.
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury was a visionary leader, a distinguished physician, and a respected social activist who dedicated his life to serving humanity. He was a founding member of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, a non-profit organization that provided affordable healthcare to the underprivileged and marginalized communities in Bangladesh.
As a veteran of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, Dr. Chowdhury played a vital role in the country’s struggle for independence. He was a fearless fighter who risked his life to defend the rights of the Bangladeshi people.Throughout his career, Dr. Chowdhury remained committed to promoting social justice, equality, and human rights. He was a vocal activist for the marginalized and vulnerable communities, and his tireless efforts in this regard earned both national and international recognition.
Dr. Chowdhury’s legacy will live on as an inspiration to all those who strive to make a positive impact on society. His selflessness, courage, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity, health service for all will always be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.Throughout his career, his visionary effort tirelessly to create a more equitable healthcare system for those who often went without medicine and treatment. He wanted a healthcare system where everyone regardless of their income or background, will have the respectful access to the health careservices.
He was also deeply committed to building strong, resilient communities, recognizing that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. He founded organizations that focused on empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their health, and his innovative approach inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we must also remember the noble work on his dedicated health service and pharmaceutical industries that protect the interest of the poor patients while ensuring profit for the investors at the same time. His thinking was that pharmaceutical industries should not be absolutely driven by profit making concept. If any investors want 100 percent profit then there are other businesses open for them where they may wish to invest. But medicine producing industry must not fully depend on profit orientation or motivation, social humanitarian liability concept needs to be attached in the pharmaceutical industry, it must have noble visionary liability for the society. Poor sick people may not have money but they need to buy medicine. Therefore, price of the medicine must be within the reach of the low-income earners. It has a social responsibility to provide medicine in a more competitiveprice so that all patients can buy it. Price of the medicine should be within the reach of the ever-lowest income earners. His vision of a healthcare system works for everyone regardless of their circumstances. Let us carry on his legacy and strive to create a world in which all people have the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
From his young age, Dr. Chowdhury felt a deep sense of responsibility to his fellow citizens and a burning desire for justice and equality. People will never forget this legendary freedom fighter, and will continue to honor his memory by working towards the ideals of freedom and equality that he so fiercely believed in. His life serves as a reminder of the power of individual action to effect change, and his legacy will inspire generations to come to stand up for what is right and just for the marginalized group.
The legacy of Dr. Zafrullah will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him or benefit from his life’s work.Dr. Jafarullah’s recognized the need for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. Father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provided full support to him to contribute to the healthcare services to the most remote areas for improving the lives of countless individuals and families. With support from Bongabondhu, Dr. Chowdhury started vigorous initiatives to provide meaningful right to quality healthcare and treatment regardless of patient’sfinancial background or circumstances. Dr. Zafrullah ‘s contribution on the health care service for the poor will be felt for generations to come.
The world has lost a true hero with the demise of Dr Zafrullah, a legendary freedom fighter who gave his life in the struggle for our country’s independence. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy will inspire generations to come.
(The writer is Adjunct Faculty, BIGM).
