The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed urged upon the country's surgeons to build patients' confidence in country's existing medical facility.

"The surgeons have to realise that a good number of patients go abroad for treatment and spend huge amount of foreign currency every year, which is not desirable," he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 10th International Surgical Congress at Hotel Sonargaon here on Saturday.

Adviser for Health and Family Welfare Major General (retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman addressed the function as special guest. Congress president Professor A.A Ashraf Ali, chairman of the of the Congress Organizing Committee Professor TIMA Faruq, secretary Professor Feroze Quader, Professor Dr Atai Rabbi, and Professor Dr Humayn Kabir Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present.

Foreign delegates from eight countries including USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also been participating in the congress. Describing the role of surgeons and physicians as paramount importance in serving the humanity, President Iajuddin said the service of physicians are unmatched in term of its merit and importance in saving valuable lives of the patients.

"The surgeons have immense responsibility to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication as their services is not only a profession but also a noble mission to serve the mankind," he added.

Professor Iajuddin underscored the need for improving the infrastructural facilities as well as ensuring quality of service and called upon the surgeons to keep in mind that most of the patients in our country are poor who cannot afford the cost of modern treatment.

"You know Bangladesh is a small country with huge population.

Due to this burden and consecutive natural disasters, Bangladesh faces manifold problems of providing basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education for her citizen," he said

In this regard he referred to the recent cyclone which had caused huge loss of lives and property. He said the government has engaged its all-out endeavours to overcome this situation.

President Iajuddin also hoped that the international congress would open a new horizon to exchange newer views and ideas through different scientific deliberations among the participants and thus will be mutually benefited.

"I think research and exchange programme on medical education in this region can play significant role for promoting and boosting modern knowledge and development of medical sciences," he added.

The President also handed over Asir Memorial Gold Medal to the chairman of the Department of Pediatric of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Shafiq Hoque for his procedure as a surgical treatment for Portal Hypertension in children.