He said these things in his speech as chief guest at a discussion meeting of the ‘National Cancer Conference 2026’ organized at the National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka on Monday (October 19). The theme of the conference was ‘Cancer care for all: coordination of prevention, accurate treatment, palliative care and policy-making’.

The health minister said initiatives are being taken to quickly install radiotherapy machines in the country's cancer hospitals so that patients can receive modern treatment in the country. There are necessary manpower and technologists to operate these machines. If needed, they will be given three months of training to ensure optimal use of new technology.

Criticizing past mismanagement in the health sector, he said the sector has fallen far behind during the last 17 years of rule. Now no negligence in performing duties will be tolerated. He also warned that if those responsible neglect their duties, they will lose their jobs.

With Director of National Cancer Hospital Prof Dr Mostafa Aziz Sumon in the chair, BNP Standing Committee member Prof Dr Farhad Halim Dalim, Chief Engineer of Public Works Department Md Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury and Additional Director General of Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Zahid Raihan, among others, were special guests at the event.