Better healthcare possible with existing facilities

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday expressed optimism about bringing significant changes to Bangladesh's health sector with the combined efforts of all involved in delivering healthcare services to better serve the people.

"A little more attention and dedication from each of you can bring a massive change," he said at a conference of district civil surgeons, a first in Bangladesh.

Photo: Chief Adviser GOB

It is possible to attain at least 25 percent improvement in service quality within the existing structure with sincere efforts, he said.

Yunus emphasised the need for physicians to take personal responsibility in advancing the healthcare system, while urging them to act with creativity, mindfulness and professionalism.

"Too often we blame each other. But blaming will not bring about change. We must ask ourselves, if other countries can improve their healthcare systems, what is preventing us from doing the same? Let us reflect and commit to fixing this."

He, however, assured of addressing the requirements of the health sector.

"We must ask ourselves why can't we do that? I think if we have that mindset, changes are possible."

He also referred to the Health Sector Reform Commission's report, which includes a set of recommendations aimed at systemic improvements.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum also shared her observations from surprise visits to various hospitals.

In some cases, she observed a lack of discipline and accountability. "Without addressing these issues, we cannot expect meaningful success."

Nurjahan stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and non-government organisations to improve healthcare delivery.

Echoing Yunus's ethos, she said: "Nothing is impossible. Turning the impossible into possible is your responsibility."

She stressed that civil surgeons are key to strengthening the nation's healthcare.

"Despite notable progress, our health sector still lags due to a shortage of personnel, medicines and medical equipment. But I believe civil surgeons will lead the way forward through their intellect and sense of duty."

Nurjahan also announced plans to recruit 7,000 doctors in phases, along with additional nurses, to strengthen the workforce.

Improvement of the health sector is possible only if the problems of promotion, posting, budgets and medicine shortage are resolved, said Sayedur Rahman, chief adviser's special assistant with executive power over the ministry of health and family welfare.

A unique health card will be made to restructure the health sector, he said.