DHAKA, May 13, (V7N) – Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum announced today that the government has decided to increase the salaries of doctors and surgeons, with the implementation scheme currently in its final stages.

"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 stated.

The Adviser was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 52nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The three-day conference is being presided over by OSB Convenor Professor Dr. Md. Shahab Uddin.

Nurjahan Begum further announced, "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." She added that this initiative aims to foster a positive attitude among physicians and encourage greater responsibility in government hospitals and health centers.

Urging doctors to practice greater discipline, she said, "Reform must begin from within. Without inner sincerity and dedication, even multiple changes in government will yield no results." She also emphasized the critical need for quality healthcare services in rural and remote areas.

Outlining the government's approach to appointing doctors in underserved regions, the Adviser stated that doctors would be contractually appointed in areas facing severe shortages and would be obligated to serve in their assigned locations. "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 affirmed.

The Adviser also commended the ophthalmologists for their dedicated service in treating those injured during the July unrest. "Foreign specialists had commended the treatment of eye patients in Bangladesh. It made me feel proud. I thank the Almighty for this," she said.

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 addressed the event, among other distinguished guests. Ophthalmology specialists from both Bangladesh and abroad are participating in the ongoing conference.

END/MSS/RH/