Dr Zahid stresses sustainable, long-term healthcare development

"We will not remain forever, but this country and its people will remain. Therefore, we have to develop the healthcare system in a long-term and sustainable manner, considering the needs of the next fifty years," he said.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a programme held at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital (NICVD) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar today, marking the 'First Open Heart Surgery Day' and the 'Cardiovascular Surgical Conference of NICVD-2026'.

Dr Zahid said ensuring free emergency healthcare services was the responsibility of the state, while the country's overall financial capacity should also be taken into realistic consideration.

He recalled with respect the contributions of renowned physicians and specialists who had worked tirelessly to modernise cardiac treatment in Bangladesh.

The minister also expressed gratitude to Japan for providing technical and technological assistance in developing skilled cardiac surgeons during the early stages of cardiac treatment in the country.

He said the prevalence of heart disease, including congenital heart disease, is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. If these diseases cannot be effectively prevented, they could adversely affect the country's productive workforce in the future.

Dr Zahid said the government had already waived taxes on valves and stents used in medical treatment to keep the cost of cardiac care affordable for ordinary people.

He observed that the expansion of modern healthcare facilities in the country had significantly reduced the tendency of people to go abroad for medical treatment.

The government has allocated Tk 1.43 lakh crore for social safety-net programmes to reduce the sufferings of ordinary people and ensure their welfare, he said.

The minister urged affluent members of society to come forward alongside the government in such humanitarian initiatives, reports BSS.