Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Dr AZM Zahid Hossain spoke at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre during the Annual Scientific Conference-2026. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Sept 7, 2026(BSS)-Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said that the country's eye care system must be upgraded to international standards by familiarizing physicians with the latest technologies worldwide and ensuring their effective application.

He said modernizing eye care services in the country could significantly reduce the number of patients travelling abroad for treatment.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Annual Scientific Conference-2026 of the Bangladesh Academy of Ophthalmology at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre here as the chief guest.

The minister said the government would extend all-out support if a long-term and timely action plan is formulated that can serve the country for the next 50 years.

At the same time, he urged the physicians to assist the government by providing specific recommendations on various national policy and decision-making processes.
The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to build an inclusive and humane Bangladesh where no one will be left behind. He said bringing the people suffering from eye related diseases back to healthy and productive lives through proper treatment would make it easier to build an inclusive Bangladesh.

He also called upon the physicians to play an effective role in encouraging the public to participate in noble initiatives such as posthumous eye and organ donation for the welfare of the society.

At the programme, specialist physicians said that around 5 percent of children are born with various eye-related problems, a significant proportion of which can be prevented or treated through appropriate medical intervention.

They also expressed their sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for allocating 1.02 percent of the GDP to the health sector in the budget and hoped that the allocation would be increased further in the future.

It may be mentioned that 36 specialist physicians from home and abroad will present their important research papers at the day-long scientific conference.

Prof. Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir, President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), Dr. Mohammad Touhidur Rahman, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh and Prof. Md. Jannur Rayhan, General Secretary of the organization, were present at the function as special guests.

Prof. Dr. Md. Jane Alam Mridha delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Dr. Md. Abid Kamal, President of the Bangladesh Academy of Ophthalmology, presided over the programme.