DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Prof Dr A Z

M Zahid Hossain has called for producing physiotherapists of international standard to provide

improved services to the people of the country.

He said the overall healthcare system of the country must be upgraded to international standards by

adapting to modern technology and acquiring expertise in its effective use.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Physiotherapist

Association of Bangladesh (PAB) at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club here today on

the occasion of 'World Physiotherapy Day 2026'.

He said healthcare is not limited to doctors; nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, technologists

and patients' family members, among others, all have coordinated roles to play.

"Everyone in healthcare services performs their respective responsibilities as a supportive force

for one another," he said.

Mentioning that no disease can be completely cured through any single profession or department

alone, he said the desired and appropriate services could never be provided to patients unless

coordinated and sincere efforts were made by all sides.

The minister further said that alongside government policy support and coordinated administrative

initiatives, print, electronic and social media also have roles to play in making healthcare

services effective and inclusive for ordinary people.

At the programme, speakers presented information on global health risks and said cardiovascular

disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Around two crore five lakh people die from the disease globally every year, accounting for more

than 30 percent of total global deaths.

The worrying aspect is that around 85 percent of these deaths occur due to heart attacks and

strokes, while nearly 75 percent of total deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.

The speakers further said that one in every four people is at risk of suffering a stroke during

their lifetime, with the risk alarmingly rising to nearly one in two in low-income countries.

However, most strokes can be prevented through effective public awareness and proper treatment.

The meeting called for establishing physiotherapy departments in every hospital in the country and

completing the recruitment process promptly as part of enhancing the professional capacity of

physiotherapists and expanding healthcare services.

BNP Assistant Secretary for Family Planning Prof Dr Md Rafiqul Kabir Labu, National Institute of

Neurosciences and Hospital Director Prof Dr Md Nuruzzaman Khan, and Society of Neurologists

Bangladesh Member Secretary Prof Dr Nazmul Huda Biplob attended the programme as distinguished

guests.

PAB President Kamruzzaman Kallol presided over the programme.

Central leaders of PAB, health professionals and members of the organisation were also present.