(BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that if voted to power, BNP would increase allocation for health sector from existing 1 percent of GDP to 5 percent gradually.

“Health sector allocation is now around 1 percent of GDP in Bangladesh, which is very insufficient compared to other countries in the world. We have a plan to introduce UK’s National Health Service (NHS) model here to ensure unified healthcare services for all and we are committed to bring a significant change in the sector which is now at the verge of collapse due to 15 years of misrule and corruption by the past government,” he said.

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a “Doctors’ rally and Ifter mahfil,” organized by Chattogram unit of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at a city community centre.

City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain addressed as a main speaker the rally. DAB’s Chattogram Medical College unit President Dr. Md Jasim Uddin chaired it while BNP Chairperson’s advisory council member Dr. Farhad Halim Donar, central DAB president Prof. Harun Al Rashid and Secretary General Dr. Abdus Salam spoke at the function as special guests.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said there was a huge change in the mindset of the people after ousting Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5 last year and people’s aspiration has been increased following such changes.

“BNP as a pro-people and pro-democratic party is intended to uphold the spirit and expectation of people’s changed mindset and lay importance on bringing a qualitative changes in the activities of all professionals including doctors and politicians,” he said with a warning that “Otherwise we will not survive for a long”.

Drawing a deplorable condition of the country’s health sector, Amir Khasru said, “I would especially like to tell doctors that the health sector in Bangladesh is in very fragile state. You all are aware of that. If we have to turn around from the current health system in Bangladesh, then you need to come forward to bring qualitative changes and progress in the health sector”.

“We have to be prepared mentally so that we can keep pace with the changes. Our professionals and politicians have to play their roles from their respective positions. Our plan to bring qualitative changes in the sector will depend on your role and work-dedication” he added.

DAB’s central vice presidents Dr. Abdus Selim and Dr. Sahfiullah Zintu, local DAB leaders including Dr. Khurshid Jamil Chowdhury, Dr. Tamij Uddin Manik, Dr. Abbas Uddin, Dr. Md Foyezur Rahman, Dr. Belayet Hossain Dhali and Dr. Iftekharul Islam Liton, among others, addressed the function.