Govt aims to bridge urban-rural healthcare gap: Health Minister

The government's goal is to reduce the disparity in healthcare services between the capital and rural areas and ensure equal medical treatment across the country, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has said.

He made the remarks as a special guest at an exchange meeting titled 'DMCIANS' Thoughts on Modernisation of Bangladesh's Healthcare System' held at the college auditorium on Saturday, July 11, after the inauguration of 'DMC Day-2026' marking the 81st anniversary of Dhaka Medical College.

The health minister said rural people have the same right to quality healthcare as Dhaka residents. Community clinics, upazila hospitals and family welfare centres will be modernised to achieve this goal, with development work starting from next month.

He said the government is prioritising the health sector, supplying necessary equipment for medical education and research, and working to improve healthcare quality by upgrading medical colleges with modern equipment.

Addressing doctors, the health minister said, "Medicine is not just a profession; it is a great service connected to people's lives. Along with curing diseases, one must work with humanity, ethics and a service mentality." He added that the government is gradually addressing doctors' demands, but any delay in providing healthcare services to the people will not be tolerated.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Health State Minister Dr M A Muheet, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and others were present at the event.