BSS :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday re-emphasized to put concentration on research in the country’s medical sector, saying excellence is not achieved without research.
“Research in our health sector is so far insufficient . . . excellence is not achieved without research,” she said.
The premier made these remarks at the opening ceremony of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Super Specialized Hospital held at the BSMMU.
She joined the function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
The premier urged the country’s specialist physicians to spend more time on research alongside attending patients as research is very much urgent.
Expressing gratitude to BSMMU for their existing research works, Sheikh Hasina said, “BSMMU has to continue their endeavor in developing its education, research and medical activities.”
She also called upon all to pay more attention to research to attain excellence in this field.
She appreciated BSMMU’s own initiative for the appointment of Professor Emeritus to improve the quality of health education and research as well.
The prime minister urged all of the BSMMU’s faculties and researchers to uplift the overall activities of the university to international standards with their wisdom and talent.
With Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque in the chair, BSMMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Sharfuddin Ahmed delivered the welcome address.
Medical Education and Family Welfare Division secretary Md. Saiful Hassan Badal and South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun also spoke.
At the outset of the function, a documentary on the super specialized hospital was screened.
Referring to a speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the opening of blood preservation and new female ward on October 8, 1972, the premier said doctors should devote themselves more to the treatment of common and poor people.
“Doctors should stay in villages. They should be good with patients. If you perform your duties properly, common people will get medical care easily,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina said on July 31, 1997, through a gazette notification of the health ministry, the decision to make IPGM&R as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University was announced.
“We were the first to establish a medical university in the country,” she said.
She also said BNP-Jamaat alliance after coming to power in 2001 first attacked this university and made it as a hub of irregularities, corruption and nepotism alongside bringing the quality of medical care and education down to the highest level.
Mentioning that they even demolished Bangabandhu’s mural, she said only because of political vendetta, the BNP-Jamaat alliance announced returning the institution to its erstwhile IPGM&R.
“But, the teachers, doctors, officials, nurses and employees of the university strongly protested it which forced them to retreat the decision,” she added.
