Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged grassroots-level physicians to play a leading role in building an accessible, affordable and people-friendly healthcare system, as the government plans to raise health sector allocation to 5 percent of GDP.
Addressing the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPO) Conference-2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, he said doctors are central to achieving the vision of a healthier nation.
“You are the driving force behind turning our dream into reality. Together, we want to establish a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, effective and humane for all,” he told the officials.
The conference, organised by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was attended by more than 500 UHFPOs from across the country. The prime minister also distributed awards among top-performing officials in six categories.
Tarique Rahman expressed confidence that physicians would help build a sustainable, accountable and citizen-focused health service.
He urged them to transform their respective workplaces into model healthcare centres in their areas.
Highlighting the government’s policy direction, he said the proposals outlined in his speech reflect its broader manifesto and vision for the health sector. However, he stressed that government efforts alone are not sufficient.
“The government cannot do everything on its own. We need your active support. If everyone contributes even a little, meaningful change is possible,” he said.
Calling on doctors to stand beside the people, he added, “I request you, as citizens, to support both the government and the people so that basic healthcare services become accessible without difficulty.”
The prime minister also assured healthcare professionals that their challenges would be addressed. He announced plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers, with 80 percent of the positions to be filled by women.
He urged all officials to work with dedication to strengthen public health services and ensure improved care nationwide.
Referring to his personal experience, Rahman cited the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), established in 1948, as an example of the complexities of managing a universal healthcare system.
“Even in a stronger economy with a smaller population, the UK faces challenges in maintaining the system and often debates increasing funding and support,” he noted.
Drawing a comparison, he said it is natural for Bangladesh to face similar difficulties, particularly at the grassroots level, where doctors often encounter various challenges in delivering services.
He welcomed the issues raised by participants during the conference, describing them as constructive and necessary. The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring healthcare as a fundamental right, guided by the principle that prevention is better than cure.
He also pledged to improve the dignity, safety and living conditions of healthcare workers, while addressing structural and manpower shortages in the sector.
Efforts will be made to modernise upazila health complexes through technology-driven services, he said, stressing the need to establish a transparent and corruption-free healthcare system.
Tarique Rahman further called on health officials to take an active role in local leadership, vaccination programmes, maternal health services and disease prevention initiatives.
