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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for world-class healthcare services, modern medical technology, skilled specialist doctors and a patient-friendly environment to reduce Bangladeshis’ reliance on overseas treatment.
“Many patients from Bangladesh are compelled to go abroad for advanced treatment. Besides limitations in specialised treatment, modern technology and expertise, the quality of services and the issue of trust are also responsible for this trend, causing the loss of a huge amount of money every year,” he said.
“To reduce this trend, it is necessary to ensure world-class healthcare services, modern technology, skilled specialist doctors and a patient-friendly environment in the country,” he added.
The President made the remarks while inaugurating the Bangladesh Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (BSCRS) Congress 2026 at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Centre in the capital this morning.
The two-day international conference is being held under the theme “Colorectal Surgery: Global Innovation, Local Impact”, with medical experts and dignitaries from home and abroad participating as speakers and delegates.
Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh needed to develop a modern, affordable and people-friendly healthcare system by improving service quality, recruiting skilled professionals, adopting modern technology and ensuring accountability.
Emphasising compassion in medical services, he said healthcare was not merely a profession but a noble responsibility involving human life, dignity and hope.
Humane behaviour towards patients, explaining medical issues to patients and their relatives in simple language, maintaining clean and safe facilities, and showing special consideration for poor patients were essential, he said.
He called on all concerned to work together to ensure that no one was deprived of necessary treatment because of financial hardship.
Referring to problems in the health sector over the past 17 years, the President blamed mismanagement, corruption and unplanned decisions under the previous government for preventing the healthcare system from achieving the desired progress. Ordinary people had been deprived of timely treatment, medicines and essential services at government hospitals, he said.
He said expensive medical equipment had been purchased without ensuring the necessary infrastructure and skilled manpower, leaving many machines unused. Laboratory equipment had also been procured without technicians and other required personnel, while prolonged delays in recruiting doctors, nurses and technicians had further aggravated the situation.
The President stressed the need for realistic planning, skilled manpower, people-friendly policies, accountability and transparent use of public funds to improve the sector.
He also recalled initiatives taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to develop healthcare services.
Highlighting the current government’s plans, Mirza Fakhrul said Tk 69,409 crore had been allocated to the health sector for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the highest allocation in the country’s history. He stressed that every taka must be spent effectively, appropriately and transparently.
The government had also taken steps to gradually upgrade 100-bed hospitals across the country to 150-bed facilities and expand healthcare services at local and upazila levels, he said. Plans were under way to recruit doctors, nurses, midwives, technicians and other health workers to make services more accessible and people-oriented.
Addressing the conference, the President urged health professionals to raise public awareness, promote early disease detection and expand access to affordable specialised treatment.
A significant number of people in Bangladesh suffer from colorectal diseases, but embarrassment, hesitation and a lack of awareness often prevent them from seeking timely medical attention, allowing their conditions to worsen, he said.
Responding to a demand raised at the conference for the establishment of a National Institute of Colorectal Surgery, the President assured the organisers of appropriate cooperation.
Wishing the conference success, he said participants could enrich their knowledge through the expertise and experience of leading surgeons and use that knowledge to improve services for ordinary people.
Earlier, the BSCRS presented an honorary crest to the President.
BSCRS adviser Professor Dr Sahadat Hossain Sheikh delivered the welcome address, while its President Professor Dr Rashidul Islam chaired the event.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr F M Siddiqui, Doctors Association of Bangladesh President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid, Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons President Professor Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir, former Bangladesh Medical Association President Professor Dr A K M Azizul Haque, and DAB Secretary General Dr Md Zahirul Islam (Shakil) also addressed the conference.