Health Sector Must Be Reformed by Ending Longstanding Corruption and Mismanagement: President
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that unplanned initiatives and corruption have prevented Bangladesh’s health sector from achieving the desired progress. He said long-standing mismanagement must be addressed and far-reaching plans adopted to ensure quality healthcare for all. Relevant authorities must identify existing problems and take effective steps to resolve them.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the international conference, BSCRS Congress 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (BSCRS) at Shaheed Abu Sayed Convention Centre in the capital on Tuesday, October 27. The conference aims to highlight recent advances in colon and rectal surgery and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among local and international experts.
The President said the current government had begun working to move the country forward despite challenging circumstances, and progress was also being made in the health sector. However, he said planned initiatives and accountability were essential to make the sector more effective, transparent and public-oriented.
He stressed that improving healthcare required more than building infrastructure or increasing allocations. The actual quality of medical services also needed to be improved. The President said the government had prioritised the health sector in its budget allocations. However, increasing funding alone was not enough; every amount spent in the sector had to be used properly and effectively. Better use of resources, along with an end to waste and irregularities, would help improve healthcare for ordinary people.
He also stressed that no one should be deprived of necessary treatment because of financial hardship. Healthcare is directly linked to people’s basic needs. Therefore, alongside the government, wealthy members of society should come forward to expand access to treatment for poor and disadvantaged people. Joint efforts could reduce inequality in healthcare and ensure access to medical services for all.
Highlighting the need to strengthen specialised healthcare, the President said hospitals in the country must be equipped to provide advanced treatment so that people would not have to travel abroad unnecessarily. He said advanced medical technology, improved infrastructure for specialised treatment, and the development of skilled doctors and healthcare workers were essential to ensure better treatment within the country.
Emphasising the need to develop skilled professionals in specialised fields, including colon and rectal surgery, he said the next generation of doctors and surgeons would play a key role in advancing the country’s healthcare system. Their modern knowledge, skills and experience should be used to improve patient care and strengthen public confidence in the country’s healthcare services.
The President said international scientific conferences such as BSCRS Congress 2026 provide important opportunities for doctors to exchange knowledge and experience. Such events help medical professionals learn about modern treatment methods, improve their skills in specialised surgery and strengthen professional cooperation at the international level. These initiatives would also contribute positively to the development of the country’s healthcare system.
