Nurul Haque Nur, state minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and president of Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, has said that students studying at government medical colleges have a moral obligation to serve the people, as their education is funded by taxpayers’ money.
He made the remarks while addressing at a view- exchange meeting with doctors, students, and staff members of the hospital on Thursday noon at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.
Nur noted that studying government medical costs significantly less than at private medical colleges, where expenses range from Tk 4 million to Tk 7 million.
“The state bears this expense through the VAT and taxes paid by farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens. After becoming doctors with public funds, you should fulfill your professional responsibilities and serve the people,” he said.
He also urged future doctors to uphold humanity, ethics, and moral responsibility in their profession.
“If you work with humanity, ethics, and a sense of moral responsibility, you will earn people’s blessings and the appreciation of the Creator,” he added.
After visiting the hospital, Nur said the government is prioritizing the development of the education, healthcare, and employment sectors, adding that progress in these areas would significantly advance the country.
He said initiatives have already been taken to address the shortage of doctors and healthcare personnel in hospitals across Bangladesh. The government is also planning to introduce health cards for citizens alongside various digital healthcare services, including e-health facilities.
According to the minister, staffing shortages at district and upazila-level hospitals will soon be resolved through new recruitment drives.
Referring to the 250-bed Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, he said the hospital is regularly treating nearly three times its capacity, which is affecting the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.
He assured that a new 500-bed hospital would be constructed alongside Patuakhali Medical College to expand healthcare services in the region.
Among those present during the visit were Abu Yousuf, Deputy Secretary of Local Government Jewel Rana, Civil Surgeon Dr Khaledur Rahman Mia, Superintendent of Patuakhali Medical College Hospital Dr Dilruba Yasmin Liza, and Vice Principal of Patuakhali Medical College Dr Atiqur Rahman, along with heads of various government departments.
