Government is working to ensure free primary healthcare for all: Minister of Social Welfare

He said these while speaking as chief guest at the ‘32nd National Conference and 2nd Outreach Program Bangladesh’ conference of Bangladesh Society of Radiology and Imaging at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the capital on Friday (November 6).

The minister said, Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has allocated the highest budget in history to the health sector in this year's budget; this budget must be used appropriately for the overall development of the country's health system. The government will provide necessary funds and guidance, but the responsibility for bringing qualitative change in the medical system and ensuring service to the people lies with all concerned. All must work collectively so patients receive complete treatment of all complex and modern diseases within the country.

Speakers at the conference noted that liver cirrhosis ranks 7th among the top 10 causes of death in Bangladesh. About 7 million people in the country are infected with hepatitis B and more than 45 million adults with fatty liver. If the disease becomes complicated, 40 to 60 percent of patients die within a year, so testing and awareness at the primary stage are urgent. Speakers called for not performing unnecessary CT scans and surgeries and for launching radiation risk allowance in Bangladesh as well.

Special guests at the conference were Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University Professor Dr. F M Siddiqui, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Director General of Health Services Division Professor Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, DAB President Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid and Secretary General Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam (Shakil). Retired Brigadier General Syed Aousaf Ali presided.