A two-day international conference titled 'International Conference on Appropriate Technology for Healthcare in LMICs (ICATH-LMIC 2026)' began today at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University (DU). The conference focuses on innovating affordable, accessible, and sustainable technologies and their effective application to improve healthcare services in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Minister Highlights Importance of Local Innovation
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the minister urged scientists, researchers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to work collaboratively to develop health technologies that are both affordable and suitable for people living in remote areas.
"The country's scientists, doctors, and engineers possess the capability to innovate timely and effective healthcare technologies despite having limited resources," he said. Emphasizing the reduction of import dependency by innovating and manufacturing medical equipment locally, the minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing necessary assistance and incentives to expand domestic innovation, research, and technology-driven healthcare services.
DU Vice-Chancellor Stresses Collaborative Efforts
DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam attended the event as a special guest. In his speech, Dr. Obaidul Islam stressed that the ultimate goal of higher education and research should be the application of knowledge and innovation for human welfare.
"Significant progress has been made in telemedicine, diabetic foot care, neonatal healthcare, and various diagnostic technologies through domestic research and innovation," the VC said, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts among the government, universities, research institutions, and industries to make healthcare services more effective and people-oriented.
Experts from Around the World Participate
Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Clinical Oncology Department Chairman Professor Syed Akram Hossain presided over the program, while DU Biomedical Physics and Technology Department Honorary Professor Khondkar Siddique-e Rabbani acted as the conference chairman. Professor Khondkar Siddique-e Rabbani presented the keynote paper during the inaugural session.
Renowned scientists, researchers, doctors, engineers, policymakers, and healthcare experts from various countries, including Bangladesh, are participating in the two-day conference to discuss appropriate health technologies, innovations, research, policy support, and international cooperation.
