Prof MR Khan was the architect of so many institutions in the country’s health sector and pioneer of so many medicines such as vaccine against diseases with high fatalities on children that made him unique. His introduction of vaccines against polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus led to new horizon in treating such patients in the country and abroad. Starting his career in early 1960s he rose to imminence by hard work and dedication and his vacuum will never be filled.
Recipient of Ekushey Padak and Independence Award, he was also awarded for his outstanding contribution in the Health Sector the Gold Medal for Social Work by Ministry of Social Welfare in 1999, Ibn Sina Gold Medal in 1999, Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah Gold Medal for contribution in Child Health and Social Work in 1998, Bangladesh Paediatric Association Award in 1994, Moulana Bhashani Gold Medal for Child Health in 1994, Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam National Award and Gold Medal in 1993, World Astrological Society Award in 1992 and Association of Pediatrics from South East Asia Region, Manila Award, 1991.
He was not just an individual; he was an institution of all shades. For all the brave decisions relating to the nation’s health policies his word would bear significance. There was nothing ‘impossible’ in his dictionary. He joined Dhaka Medical College as an Associate Professor and retired as professor of pediatrics at IPGM&R in 1988. Before his retirement, he served in Rajshahi Medical College, Dhaka Shishu Hospital and other institutions in different capacities. His contributions in establishing the Paediatric Unit in Rajshahi Medical College and strengthening Dhaka Shishu Hospital is outstanding. He introduced FCPS, DCH and MCPS in paediatrics in 1972. As Founder President of Bangladesh Paediatric Association he was often dubbed as the “Father of Paediatrics” in Bangladesh.
As a Senior Visiting Professor of ICDDR,B since 1989; Professor, Founder Director and Chairman of the Institute of Child Health and Shishu Hospital in Mirpur, he built the institute having no match in the region. The Institute of Child Health is an example of his concern for the country’s children. It significantly contributed to eliminate malnutrition, and offers treatment to suffering children and women of reproductive age through preventive and curative programmes.
Prof Khan is no more with us but he will be always treated as a guide in the country’s medicare system for all time to come. May Allah rest his soul in peace!
