Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has said doctors and pharmacists must work together to ensure improved healthcare services in the country.
He said ensuring quality healthcare requires not only medical treatment but also safe and effective medicines, skilled pharmacists, and greater focus on research and innovation.
The minister said this while addressing a programme marking the World Pharmacists Day and a reception at University of Asia Pacific (UAP) auditorium in the city on Saturday.
Sakhawat Husain said interest in pharmacy education was increasing in Bangladesh, with more talented students joining pharmacy departments at medical colleges and universities. He said the growing participation of female students in the field was a positive development for the country’s overall progress.
The minister said locally manufactured medicines are now exported to more than 160 countries, helping Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry establish a strong position in international markets.
He said Bangladeshi medicines have gained demand and reputation in different countries, and further progress in the sector requires greater focus on research, skills development and innovation among pharmacists.
Speaking about the relationship between doctors and the media, Sakhawat Husain said the two groups were not opponents of each other.
He said highlighting problems and limitations in the healthcare sector through the media creates opportunities for improvement and helps raise service standards.
The minister also recalled with respect the contributions and sacrifices of doctors and health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and other health crises.
The programme was chaired by University of Asia Pacific Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan.
Among others, Bangladesh Pharmacy Council Recognition and Education Committee Chairman Naser Shahriar Zahedi, Dhaka University Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Professor Md Selim Reza and UAP Board of Trustees Chairman KM Mojibul Haque attended the event.
