Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stressed the need for modern technology and international expertise to advance the country's healthcare system. Speaking as the chief guest at an event organized by the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on World Hepatitis Day, he highlighted the benefits of ensuring advanced treatment for Hepatitis B within the country, which would reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, lower medical expenses, and conserve foreign currency.
The minister pointed out that a significant portion of the population suffers from fatty liver disease, often due to excessive sugar consumption. He emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about this issue.
Zahid mentioned the appointment of Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson, Emeritus Professor of Hepatology at Imperial College London, in the Department of Hepatology at BMU. He stressed that involving foreign and regional experts in evaluating students according to international and regional standards would significantly improve the quality of medical education. He urged other medical colleges to adopt similar measures.
In response to the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society's demand to make Hepatitis B screening mandatory for all pregnant women, the minister described the demand as timely and promised his full support to implement it. Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson presented the keynote paper at the event, which was attended by several prominent medical professionals.
The integration of modern technology and international expertise is crucial for enhancing Bangladesh's healthcare system, addressing prevalent health issues, and improving medical education standards.
