Central Committee of Rural Doctors Holds Exchange Meeting in Jhalakathi

The Bangladesh Nationalist Rural Doctors’ Association Central Committee organized an exchange meeting with the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health in Jhalakathi.

The meeting was held at the Jhalakathi Circuit House at 7:30 pm on Monday (May 11). Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr. SM Ziauddin Haider attended as the chief guest, while Jhalakathi District Council Administrator Adv. Shahadat Hossain was present as special guest.

The event was chaired by SM Maruf Hossain, president of the association’s central committee.

Leaders and representatives of rural doctors from different districts of Barisal Division joined the meeting. Discussions focused on the rights of rural doctors, development of rural healthcare services, expansion of organizational activities, and future plans.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ziauddin Haider said rural doctors have long played an important role in providing healthcare services in villages. He said people in rural areas still depend heavily on rural doctors for primary treatment.

He also highlighted recent developments in the country’s health sector, including community clinics, expanded upazila healthcare services, and digital healthcare initiatives. He said rural doctors could continue contributing as a supportive force in the healthcare system.

During the meeting, central committee president SM Maruf Hossain placed several demands on behalf of rural doctors. These included:

1. Regular modern training for rural doctors
2. Registration and skill verification under a structured system
3. Increased government support for emergency primary healthcare
4. State-level recognition of rural doctors’ contributions to rural healthcare

Other speakers emphasized the importance of rural doctors in ensuring healthcare services for marginalized communities across the country. Leaders also raised several challenges and demands related to the profession.

Among others present were Central Rural Doctors’ Association General Secretary Rahmat Ali, Jhalakathi District Rural Doctors’ Association President Md. Mostafizur Rahman Ripon, and General Secretary Md. Khalil Sardar.

The program was moderated by Barisal Divisional Rural Doctors’ Association Organizing Secretary Rural Dr. Molla Md. Saiful Islam.