No one should die in rural Bangladesh for lack of healthcare: Zubaida

She envisions a medical system which will be a global example

Dr Zubaida Rahman has urged young physicians to help build a better healthcare system, saying rural Bangladesh remains underserved.

Speaking at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital on Thursday, Dr Zubaida, vice-president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), said people in rural areas are often deprived of timely treatment because of a shortage of doctors. "But if we move forward with the commitment to serve the nation, there is certainly a solution to this problem."

"In future Bangladesh, no villager should die for lack of medical care. No expectant mother should lose her life, and no newborn should be taken from its mother's arms because treatment was unavailable. Together, we can build a healthcare system that sets an example for the world."

Dr Zubaida, the prime minister's wife, said each doctor in Bangladesh serves between 1,200 and 1,800 people, with the shortage even more severe in rural areas.

She said Bangladesh has only one nurse for about every 1,820 people, well below the World Health Organization's recommended ratio of one doctor for 440 people and one nurse for 675.

She also noted that the ratio of government doctors is only one physician for every 6,500 people.

Highlighting the crisis, she told young doctors: "The people of Bangladesh are looking to you. Through your talent, hard work, perseverance and patriotism, I am confident you will build the healthcare system that everyone aspires to see."

"That is why your greatest satisfaction, fulfilment and success in life will come from healing the sick and serving humanity."