Doctors must combine human values and patriotism with their medical expertise to truly dedicate themselves to serving the public, stated Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and wife of the Prime Minister.

Speaking as the chief guest during the annual cultural event and "Excellence in Education Award 2026" presentation at the Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital and College auditorium in Dhaka, Dr Zubaida emphasized the responsibility facing upcoming healthcare professionals.

“The new generation of doctors must play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare services for people in rural areas,” she stressed.
Dr Zubaida lauded the award-winning students for their academic brilliance while acknowledging their dedication to cultural activities alongside demanding coursework.

Prior to her address, she distributed certificates of recognition to high-achieving medical students.

Observing that individuals who get the chance to pursue medical studies rank among the nation’s brightest minds, she remarked, “Along with talent, a doctor must have a humane heart to truly achieve fulfilment in life by serving the sick.”

She expressed confidence that numerous medical graduates will return to Bangladesh following advanced studies and overseas training to support citizens and deliver essential healthcare during national crises.

Detailing statistical challenges within the national healthcare landscape, Dr Zubaida noted that Bangladesh has only 0.83 doctors per 1,000 individuals, forcing a single practitioner to attend to roughly 1,200 to 1,800 patients, with the deficit being considerably worse in rural regions.

She pointed out that although approximately 78 percent of the population resides in villages, around 70 to 75 percent of doctors remain concentrated in urban centers, while the nurse-to-patient ratio falls well short of World Health Organization benchmarks.

Dr Zubaida noted that because the proportion of government-employed physicians remains extremely low, medical expenditures continue to serve as a primary catalyst driving families into poverty.

"If the commitment to serve the nation is embraced from student life, it will be possible to change this situation in the future," she asserted.

Closing her address, she urged stakeholders to construct a health infrastructure where rural residents do not perish from a lack of care, and where no newborn or expectant mother dies due to preventable health issues.