Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain addressed the "2nd Dhaka International Knee Summit 2026" as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 22, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said the government is committed to ensuring free primary and emergency healthcare for all and specialized treatment at affordable costs.

"We will not make any compromise in protecting the interests and rights of the people," he said while addressing the "2nd Dhaka International Knee Summit 2026" as the chief guest.

The Bangladesh Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty Academy, in collaboration with the Dhaka Arthroplasty Society, organized the summit at a hotel in the capital.

Dr Zahid said the challenges facing the country's healthcare sector can only be addressed effectively by combining professional skills with modern knowledge and technology.

"In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and super-specialization, it will be difficult to meet the growing healthcare needs of the country without keeping pace with technological advancements," he said.

The minister said the government has accorded the highest priority to the health sector, allocating the second-highest share of the national budget to it.

He stressed the need for efficient and optimal utilization of the allocated funds to ensure quality medical education and healthcare services, strengthen disease prevention and improve overall service delivery.