President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged doctors’ leaders to come forward with clear and specific plans and proposals to address long-standing mismanagement in the health sector and ensure healthcare for all.

He made the call when a 20-member delegation of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), led by its Chief Adviser Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar and President Prof Dr Harun Al Rashid, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

The President said the country has failed to achieve desired progress in the health sector due to long-standing mismanagement.

“There was no proper and comprehensive planning on how many doctors, nurses and technologists we need, how much medical equipment is required, or what kind of infrastructure should be developed,” he said.

Noting that the current government has allocated the highest-ever amount in the national budget for the health sector, Mirza Fakhrul said this must be utilised to establish a well-organised healthcare system.

He stressed the need for proper planning for recruiting new doctors, developing infrastructure and procuring medical equipment.

The President also emphasised ending the practice of lobbying for promotions and postings and ensuring that competent people are appointed to appropriate positions.

He urged doctors to play a stronger role in research activities to contribute to the development of the health sector.

Referring to the rapid growth of clinics and diagnostic centres across the country, Mirza Fakhrul said such establishments are “damaging” the healthcare system.

He called on the relevant authorities to bring these institutions under proper management and regulation.

The President also expressed gratitude to doctors for their assistance and cooperation in treating former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, as well as leaders and activists injured during the July 2024 Mass Uprising and those who suffered injuries and repression during the previous government’s tenure.

He also thanked them for providing treatment to him personally.

DAB Chief Adviser Donar expressed concern over attacks on doctors while they are performing their duties, saying such incidents are creating negative reactions among physicians.

He sought the government’s cooperation in preventing such incidents.

DAB President Harun thanked the current government for its sincere efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system and stressed the need for formulating and implementing health sector policies in consultation with all stakeholders.

The President’s secretaries and senior officials were present during the meeting.