Photo: Taken from the video

DHAKA, July 11, 2026 (BSS) – Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today called upon doctors to ensure sincere, respectful and compassionate treatment of patients, saying a doctor's reassuring words to a patient are half the treatment.

“Doctors must not only focus on treating diseases but also uphold compassion, professional ethics and a spirit of service. A doctor's reassuring words and warm smile can make a patient feel halfway to recovery. Therefore, courteous and compassionate behaviour towards patients must accompany medical treatment,” he said.

The health minister made the remarks while addressing a views exchange meeting titled "DMCians' Thoughts on the Modernisation of Bangladesh's Healthcare System", held at the Dhaka Medical College (DMC) auditorium marking the 80th anniversary of the institution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the function as chief guest, while his spouse and Vice-Chairperson of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, Dr Zubaida Rahman spoke as the special guest.

Presided over DMC Vice-Principal Prof Dr Musarrat Sultana, the event was attended among others, by State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Affairs Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder, Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Prof Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) President Prof Dr Harun Al Rashid, Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) Director General Prof Dr Nazmul Hosain and Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas.

Addressing doctors and medical students, the health minister said the medical profession is not merely a job but a noble service dedicated to saving lives. He said that when people fall seriously ill and face some of the most difficult moments of their lives, they place their greatest trust in doctors after Allah.

“Medical ethics and moral values among doctors must be further strengthened. Doctors should treat patients with compassion, empathy and respect, as a physician's humane conduct has a positive impact on a patient's recovery. Doctors had demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, the measles outbreak and the recent floods. They set aside their leave and stood by affected people, providing medical care in times of crisis,” the health minister stated.

Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain further said the present government is attaching the highest priority to the health sector, adding “The Prime Minister has allocated the highest budget for the sector, while the government is supplying the necessary equipment to strengthen medical education and research.”

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit said no upazila in Bangladesh can now be considered a rural area, as modern civic amenities are available across the country.

“Doctors must serve at the upazila level to make the referral network effective; otherwise, it would not be possible to reduce the excessive patient burden on Dhaka Medical College Hospital,” he added.