Ensure healthcare services for the poor

President Iajuddin Ahmed offers munajat after laying the foundation stone of National Heart Foundation Hospital in Sylhet yesterday. PHOTO: PID

"You have to bring about positive changes in your mindset considering the greater interest and welfare of larger section of the people," he said while laying the foundation stone of the National Heart Foundation-Sylhet here.

The president said healthcare facility is a basic expectation of a nation. But in many cases people are not getting the desired services from a number of public and private hospitals, he said.

The government hospitals lack doctors and nurses side by side with financial and infrastructure constraints despite increase of population and emergence of new diseases, he said.

Expressing his satisfaction over huge private investment in the health sector, the president said business should not be the only consideration of such investments. Everyone concerned should make it sure that poor people get services from the private hospitals, he said.

Health Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman, Social Welfare Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury and Secretary General of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh Brig Gen (retd) Dr Abdul Malik attended the function as special guests.

General Secretary of National Heart Foundation-Sylhet Dr M Aminur Rahman Laskar and President of its advisory committee Hafiz Majir Uddin Ahmed addressed on the occasion while President of National Heart Foundation-Sylhet Prof M Enayet Ulla chaired the programme.

Urging the doctors to change their urban attitude, Prof Iajuddin said their contribution and vision are very important to ensure healthcare services for all.

"We have to keep in mind that medical service in not merely a profession but the best way to serve humanity," he said hoping that being imbued with the spirit, the doctors community would continue to serve the people with devotion, sincerity and responsibility.

Describing the heart disease as one of the main health problems in Bangladesh, the president said in the absence of effective and timely measures the disease might take a serious turn.

The president hailed the role of National Heart Foundation in cardiac treatment and hoped the new branch of the foundation in Sylhet would earn the trust of people by rendering modern treatment.