President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for ensuring world-class healthcare services, modern medical technology, skilled specialist doctors and a patient-friendly environment within Bangladesh.

“Many patients from Bangladesh are compelled to travel abroad for advanced medical treatment. This is linked not only to limitations in specialized care, modern technology and expertise, but also to the quality of services and public confidence. As a result, a substantial amount of money flows out of the country every year. To reduce this trend, we need to ensure world-class healthcare, modern technology, skilled specialists and a patient-friendly environment at home,” he said.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday (October 27) while inaugurating the two-day **Colorectal Surgery Conference 2026** at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Centre in the capital.

He said a modern, affordable and people-oriented healthcare system must be developed by improving service quality, recruiting skilled personnel, adopting modern technology and ensuring accountability.

Emphasizing the importance of compassion in medical care, the head of state said, “Medicine is not merely a profession. It is a noble responsibility connected with human life, dignity and hope. Treating patients with compassion, explaining medical issues to patients and their relatives in simple language, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and showing special empathy towards poor patients are essential.”

He called for collective efforts to ensure that no one is deprived of necessary medical treatment because of financial hardship.

The President alleged that Bangladesh’s healthcare system had failed to achieve the desired progress over the past 17 years because of what he described as authoritarian rule, mismanagement, widespread corruption and unplanned decisions.

He said ordinary people had been deprived of timely treatment, medicines and essential services at public hospitals.

“Expensive equipment was purchased without ensuring the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel. Many machines remained unused because of inadequate facilities. Laboratory equipment was even purchased without technicians and other necessary staff. Prolonged stagnation in recruiting doctors, nurses and technicians further complicated the situation,” he said.

Drawing lessons from these experiences, the President stressed the need for realistic and well-planned strategies, skilled personnel, people-oriented policies, accountability and transparent use of public funds to improve the health sector.

He also paid tribute to the initiatives undertaken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to develop the country’s healthcare sector.

Highlighting the current government’s initiatives, Mirza Fakhrul said the government had allocated Tk 694.09 billion for the health sector in the 2026–27 fiscal year, describing it as the highest allocation in the country’s history.

He stressed that every taka allocated must be used effectively, appropriately and transparently.

He said the government had taken steps to gradually upgrade 100-bed hospitals to 150-bed facilities. Initiatives were also underway to expand healthcare services at local and upazila levels and recruit doctors, nurses, midwives, technicians and other healthcare workers to make the health system more accessible to the public.

The President noted that a significant number of people in Bangladesh suffer from colorectal diseases. Due to embarrassment, hesitation and a lack of awareness, many patients delay seeking medical attention, allowing their conditions to become more complicated.

He urged all concerned to step up public awareness campaigns, promote early diagnosis and expand access to affordable specialized treatment.

Responding to a demand raised at the conference for the establishment of a National Institute of Colorectal Surgery, the President assured the participants of appropriate cooperation on the matter.

Wishing the conference every success, he said participants would benefit from the knowledge and experience of leading surgeons from around the world and use the opportunity to improve services for ordinary people.

“Under your leadership, Bangladesh will move towards establishing a modern, affordable, accountable and people-oriented healthcare system,” he said.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (BSCRS) presented the President with a commemorative plaque.

The conference was chaired by BSCRS President Professor Dr. Rashidul Islam. The organization’s adviser, Professor Dr. Sahadat Hossain Sheikh, delivered the welcome address.

Among those who spoke at the event were Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain; BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Farhad Halim Donar; Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University Professor Dr. F. M. Siddiqui; President of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Harun Or Rashid; President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Professor Dr. Mawdu­d Hossain Alamgir; former President of the Bangladesh Medical Association Professor Dr. A. K. M. Azizul Haque; and Secretary General of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil.

During the two-day international conference, specialists from Bangladesh and abroad will train young doctors in various aspects of colorectal surgery and exchange knowledge and experience with them.