Government working to ensure free primary healthcare for all, Social Welfare Minister Zahid Hossain says in Dhaka
The government is working to ensure free primary healthcare for everyone, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said. He also said the government is taking practical steps so that ordinary patients can receive quality and modern treatment at divisional and regional level.
The minister made the remarks as chief guest at the inauguration of the 32nd national conference and second outreach programme of the Bangladesh Society of Radiology and Imaging at the Shaheed Abu Saeed International Convention Centre in the capital on Friday (6 November).
The social welfare minister said: 'Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given the highest-ever allocation for the health sector in this year's budget. Proper use of this allocation must be ensured for the overall development of the country's health system.'
He said: 'The government will provide the necessary funds and overall direction to improve the quality of healthcare in the country. However, bringing qualitative change to the treatment system and ensuring service for the people is the responsibility of everyone concerned. We must work together so that patients can receive complete treatment for all kinds of complex and modern diseases within the country.'
Speakers at the conference said liver cirrhosis ranks seventh among the top 10 causes of death in Bangladesh. Around 7 million people in the country have hepatitis B, and more than 45 million adults are affected by fatty liver.
They said that if liver disease reaches an advanced stage, 40 to 60 percent of patients can die within a year. For that reason, testing at the early stage of the disease and raising awareness are essential.
The conference called for avoiding unnecessary CT scans and surgery. The speakers also urged the introduction of a radiation risk allowance in Bangladesh, as in other countries.
Special guests at the event included Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr FM Siddiqui, BNP health affairs secretary Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam, Director General of Health Services Professor Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid and General Secretary Dr Md Zahirul Islam Shakil.
Chaired by retired Brigadier General Syed Awsaf Ali, the conference was attended by delegates from various countries including India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, South Korea and the United States, along with specialist doctors, teachers and researchers from home and abroad.
