The government has proposed promotions for seven thousand doctors and a salary increase for medical professionals and surgeons, according to Noorjahan Begum, the Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. She further stated that the implementation of this proposal will begin soon.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 52nd Annual Conference of the Bangladesh Ophthalmological Society held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BICCC) in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. Noorjahan Begum, who was the chief guest of the event, shared these details with the audience.
The Advisor emphasized the importance of improving the healthcare system by acknowledging the work of dedicated medical professionals. She said, “The government has decided to promote seven thousand doctors. In addition to this, there is a proposal to increase the salaries of doctors and surgeons.”
Noorjahan Begum also raised concerns regarding the shortage of doctors in rural areas and the absenteeism of some doctors from hospitals. She stated that urgent reforms are needed within the healthcare system, including sending experienced doctors to underserved regions, even if that requires offering higher salaries or additional incentives.
“Many doctors are not regularly visiting hospitals, and there is a lack of skilled doctors in the rural areas. We need to send good doctors to these areas, even if we have to offer them better pay,” she explained. She further added that healthcare professionals must first reform themselves before seeking systemic changes. The advisors to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should also work with the right people who demonstrate sincerity and dedication to their profession.
The Advisor called upon doctors to take responsibility and rise to the challenges in improving the healthcare system. “We need to ensure that the most competent individuals are entrusted with critical responsibilities within the healthcare sector,” she noted.
The conference was also attended by prominent figures, including Professor Dr. Md. Sayidur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor (Ministry of Health), Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, and Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Health Education.
Professor Dr. Md. Shahab Uddin, the convener of the Bangladesh Ophthalmological Society, welcomed the attendees and delivered the opening remarks for the event.
It is worth mentioning that the conference, which spans three days, is being attended by both domestic and international ophthalmic specialists. The event will feature scientific discussions and presentations by experts, aiming to advance the field of ophthalmology in Bangladesh and globally.
