Farhad Mazhar calls for empowering nurses in healthcare decisions

He emphasised the critical role of nurses in reforming the healthcare system

Poet and theorist Farhad Mazhar has underlined the importance of empowering nurses in the decision-making process to truly improve Bangladesh’s healthcare system.

Speaking at a roundtable on Saturday, he said nurses must play a central role in shaping decisions to advance healthcare.

Farhad highlighted that “67 percent of diseases” in the country are non-communicable, with nurses playing a pivotal role in prevention through proper dietary and lifestyle advice.

“Nurses are crucial for managing health through everyday guidance on nutrition, exercise, and environmental cleanliness," he said.

"Their work helps protect the health of 67 percent of the population; medicines don’t work here."

Farhad criticised the current healthcare system, which prioritises doctors, arguing that it overlooks the key role of nurses.

He also criticised privatisation in healthcare, claiming it has worsened the sector by prioritising profit over patient care.

Additionally, he called for better training and respect for nurses, asserting that the growth of the nursing profession is essential for “meaningful progress” in the healthcare system.