Salary increment scheme for doctors, surgeons at final stage: Health adviser
We want our doctors to serve with enthusiasm, and for that, recognition and incentives are essential, she says
The government has decided to increase the salaries of doctors and surgeons and the scheme is in its final stage, Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum said today (13 May).
"We value the professionalism and sacrifices of our doctors. Many of them have long awaited their due promotions and salary adjustments. The government has taken large-scale initiatives to meet these demands. We want our doctors to serve with enthusiasm, and for that, recognition and incentives are essential," she said.
She was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 52nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) as the chief guest at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
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OSB Convenor Professor Dr Md Shahab Uddin presided over the three-day conference.
The adviser said, "To improve professional dignity and the working environment for doctors, the interim government has decided to promote 7,000 doctors as part of their efforts and contribution to their duty".
Nurjahan Begum added that the move would help foster a positive attitude among physicians and encourage greater responsibility in government hospitals and health centers.
Urging doctors to be more disciplined, she said, "Reform must begin from within. Without inner sincerity and dedication, even multiple changes in government will yield no results".
She also stressed the need for quality healthcare services in rural and remote areas.
Outlining the process of appointing doctors in remote area, she said that doctors would be contractually appointed in areas with severe shortages and would be obligated to serve where assigned.
"If needed, we will offer higher pay. Experienced doctors must go to the rural and remote areas to address the ongoing crisis. Our goal is to ensure quality healthcare at the doorstep of the people," she stated.
The adviser also praised the performance of ophthalmologists in treating July fighters. She said, "Foreign specialists had commended the treatment of eye patients in Bangladesh. It made me feel proud. I thank the Almighty for this."
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Dr Sayedur Rahman, Health Services Division Secretary Saidur Rahman, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahinul Alam, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr. Abu Jafar, and Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain also spoke at the event, among others.
Ophthalmology specialists from home and abroad are participating in the conference.
