DHAKA : Prime Minister's wife and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman today said that along with professional skills as doctors, one must embrace humanitarian values and patriotism to dedicate oneself to serving the people of the country. 

She said, "The new generation of doctors must play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare services for people in rural areas."

Dr Zubaida Rahman made the remarks as the chief guest at the annual cultural program and the 'Excellence in Education Award 2026' ceremony at the Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital and College auditorium in the city this afternoon. 

In her remarks, Zubaida Rahman congratulated the students who received awards for their excellence in education and praised them for continuing cultural pursuits alongside their rigorous academic studies. Earlier, she handed over certificates of recognition to the meritorious students.

She said that students who have the opportunity to study medical science are among the most talented in the country. "Along with talent, a doctor must have a humane heart to truly achieve fulfilment in life by serving the sick," she said. 

Dr Zubaida expressed hope that many students will return to the country after receiving higher degrees and training, stand by the people, and provide medical services during times of crisis.

Highlighting various statistics of Bangladesh's health sector, she said, "There are only 0.83 doctors per 1,000 people in the country, and one doctor has to serve approximately 1,200 to 1,800 patients. This crisis is even more acute in rural areas."

In this connection, she added, "Furthermore, while 70 to 75 percent of doctors work in urban areas, about 78 percent of the population lives in villages. The number of nurses is also far below the standard set by the World Health Organization." 

Dr Zubaida further said that since the ratio of government doctors is also very low, medical expenses remain one of the leading causes of 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 added. 

She said that a healthcare system must be built where no villager loses their life due to lack of treatment, and no pregnant mother or newborn dies from preventable causes.