PM urges the rich to be philanthropic, contribute to health sector

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the rich and affluent people of the society to be a bit more philanthropic by contributing to the health sector.

“The number of wealthy people is on the rise. You can contribute the money in various ways; like donating an ambulance, creating a ward in a hospital after your name, enriching its library,” she said urging the rich to be more philanthropic.

She was addressing the Thirteenth Convocation of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) on Wednesday.

She called upon the young physicians to perform with honesty and stand by the people in order to do justice to the holy profession.

“Sometimes your words become more effective than the medicine. We feel that when we fall ill,” said Hasina.

She also underscored the fact that it is hard for the limited number doctors and nurses to serve such a vast population.

“I do understand that it is hard to keep cool amid such work load,” she said adding “but with your humane qualities, you can overcome the challenges.” 

The PM stressed on decentralising the services in order to ensure medical facilities for everyone.

She said specialised hospitals would be constructed at divisional districts and eventually at every town to serve the greater populace.

She urged people to give up the tendency to go abroad every now and then for medical treatment. 

On a lighter note, the premier joked: “Our average life expectancy has now risen to 71 as we have ensured food security. Therefore, I have only a year left at hand.”