President orders control of clinics, diagnostic centres mushrooming everywhere

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that clinics and diagnostic centres mushrooming everywhere in various parts of the country are damaging the healthcare system. He called on the concerned authorities to bring these institutions under proper management and regulation.

The President made these remarks when a 20-member delegation of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh, led by its Chief Adviser Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar and President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid, paid a courtesy call at Bangabhaban on Thursday, September 24.

During the meeting, the President emphasised eliminating the long-standing mismanagement in the health sector to ensure healthcare for all. He called on the doctors' leaders to come forward with specific and clear plans and proposals in this regard.

The President said that due to long-standing mismanagement, the country has not been able to reach the desired goal of development in the health sector. There was a lack of an integrated plan on how many doctors, nurses and technologists are needed, how much medical equipment is required and what kind of infrastructure is necessary.

He said that during the current government's tenure, the highest-ever allocation for the health sector has been made in the national budget. This opportunity must be used to build an effective and disciplined management system in the health sector.

The President urged taking proper plans for recruiting new doctors, developing infrastructure and purchasing necessary equipment for the development of the health sector. At the same time, he emphasised ending the past culture of lobbying in promotions and postings and giving responsibility to qualified people in appropriate positions. He also called on doctors to play a more active role in research activities.

The President expressed thanks and gratitude to the doctors for their cooperation in the treatment of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the July uprising and leaders and activists injured in torture and repression during the previous government's tenure. He also mentioned the doctors' sincere cooperation in his own treatment.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar expressed concern over attacks on doctors while on duty. He said such incidents are creating negative reactions among doctors. He also sought the government's cooperation in stopping attacks on doctors.