Build Trust at Home to Curb Medical Tourism: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for strengthening public faith in Bangladeshi physicians to curb the massive outflow of money for overseas treatment. Speaking at the 81st anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital on Saturday, he stressed that this trust cannot be mandated by law or institutions—it must be earned through humane behaviour and quality care.

"Nearly $5 billion leave Bangladesh annually for medical expenses abroad," the Prime Minister said. "This not only drains foreign currency but also reflects a troubling lack of confidence in our own healthcare system."

Addressing doctors and medical students, he urged them to collectively foster an environment where citizens no longer feel compelled to seek treatment overseas. "The only way to win people's trust is to ensure compassionate conduct and correct medical service," he asserted.

The PM also paid tribute to Dhaka Medical College's historic legacy, calling it a "living witness" to the nation's political struggles. "From the Language Movement and the Liberation War to the 1990 mass uprising and the July 2024 movement, teachers, physicians, students, and staff of this institution have played vital roles in every critical moment."

Turning to the medical profession, he reminded doctors of their unique responsibility: "People come to you in their most vulnerable state. To a patient, a doctor is not just a professional—he is a source of hope."

The Prime Minister shared a personal note about his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, whose long-term treatment were managed by local doctors with wholehearted dedication. "Even though advanced technology is available abroad, the human touch and attentive care provided by our physicians are irreplaceable," he said.

He concluded by reiterating that building trust is a collective mission—not a bureaucratic exercise. By prioritising empathy, accuracy, and accountability, Bangladesh's medical community can stem the tide of medical tourism and restore pride in homegrown healthcare.

PM Outlines Trust-Building and Major Health Reforms
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a dual strategy—restoring public faith in local doctors and rolling out sweeping healthcare reforms—to stem the estimated $5 billion that Bangladeshis spend annually on medical treatment abroad.

Highlighting various government initiatives for the development of healthcare, the Prime Minister announced that a decision has been made to deploy Ansar members to beef up hospital security. Additionally, the recruitment process for 5,000 MBBS doctors has already begun. Vacant positions for nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, midwives, and other staff will also be filled soon. Furthermore, there is a plan to recruit 25,000 more midwives at the government level.

The Prime Minister said that the government’s goal is not just to provide medical treatment, but also to focus on disease prevention. To this end, plans have been made to appoint "Health Carears" to raise health awareness across the country. These trained workers will visit households to advise people on healthy lifestyles, dietary habits, and chronic disease prevention.

Emphasizing hospital cleanliness, the Prime Minister pointed out that building a clean hospital is not the sole responsibility of the cleaning staff. It is the collective responsibility of everyone, including doctors, students, officials, employees, and patients' relatives.

He further said that the government has taken initiatives to increase budget allocation in the health sector, reduce customs duties on medical equipment, upgrade Upazila Health Complexes to 101-bedded facilities, introduce solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted electricity in hospitals, and swiftly operationalize children's hospitals constructed in various regions of the country.

The event featured discussions on development, research, and building a modern healthcare system in the health sector. Chaired by the Vice-Principal of Dhaka Medical College, Professor Musarrat Sultana, the function was attended by the Prime Minister's spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister's Advisor, Jahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Affairs, SM Zia Haidar, and Health Secretary, Kamrumman Chowdhury, among others.