BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday urged the interim government to take effective steps to improve healthcare services, aiming to reduce the need for people to travel abroad, particularly to India, for treatment and thus save foreign currency.

“Why should we spend dollars going to India for treatment? Why should we give money to those who constantly create various narratives and spread propaganda against us?” he said at a discussion meeting.

He suggested that the foreign currency spent by Bangladeshis in India could be invested in the country’s doctors and nurses to enhance the quality of healthcare services and strengthen the sector with necessary resources.

Nurses Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of International Nurses Day.

BNP’s Rizvi slams govt for silence over push-ins by India

“If we receive good service from our own doctors and nurses, there would be no reason for us to go to India. This quality of service depends on how well-positioned and equipped our doctors and nurses are, and the level of support they receive from the state,” the BNP leader said.

He said the interim government should have taken such measures by this time since it discusses various reforms.

“You (govt) should take well-thought-out decisions, instead of being driven by emotions. Otherwise, it could lead to negative consequences. Decisions should be made with foresight, so that our education, healthcare and social welfare services can develop effectively,” Rizvi said.

He also said the current government can set an example for future administrations by taking steps to modernise the health sector.

“You talk about reforms, but why don’t you implement some while you are in power? You could take steps to ensure accommodation for at least two-thirds of nurses beside every health complex so that the people of the country can receive better services,” the BNP leader said.

Stating that there is still a shortage of about 2.25 lakh nurses in the country, he urged the government to address the shortage of both nurses and doctors to improve the quality of healthcare services.

Rizvi accused the previous Awami League government of destroying the health sector through fraud, corruption, money laundering and various forms of malpractice.