Free primary, emergency healthcare for all to be ensured: Zahid Hossain

The government will not compromise on protecting people's right to healthcare and their interests, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain said on Saturday (August 22).

He said ensuring free primary and emergency healthcare for all, while making specialised treatment affordable and accessible to ordinary people, is one of the government's key priorities.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Second Dhaka International Knee Conference 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty Academy in association with the Arthroplasty Society at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday night.

Zahid said combining professional expertise with up-to-date medical knowledge is essential to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector. With the rapid expansion of specialised and superspecialised treatment and the growing use of artificial intelligence in medicine, doctors must continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances, he said.

He also called on relevant departments and specialist physicians to play a more active role in meeting the country's growing demand for healthcare. Emphasising the use of the latest medical technology and knowledge, he urged physicians to ensure better treatment for patients.

Describing healthcare as one of the government's highest-priority sectors, Zahid said it received the second-highest allocation in the current national budget, describing the allocation as unprecedented.

"Simply allocating funds is not enough," he said, stressing the need for efficient use of the money to improve medical education, disease prevention and the quality of healthcare services.

A number of specialist physicians from across the country addressed the event. Six specialists were awarded fellowships by the Dhaka Arthroplasty Society, while a book titled Save Your Knee was also unveiled.

Prof Dr Md Anwarul Haque was present as a special guest, while DAB Secretary General Dr Md Zahirul Islam Shakil and other specialists attended as distinguished guests. Dr M Ali, president of the Bangladesh Arthroplasty Society, chaired the event.