Bangladesh PM urges doctors to prioritize empathy alongside technology

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman underscored the critical need for empathy and a humane approach in healthcare, asserting that while technology can diagnose, it cannot replace the reassurance and understanding doctors provide to patients facing fear and distress. He made these remarks during the inauguration of a new 500-bed building for the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital.

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Technology can identify diseases, but there is no substitute for doctors’ humane behaviour in reassuring patients and understanding their fear, anxiety and mental distress.

Rahman called for a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating advanced medical technology with skilled personnel, effective governance, and crucially, empathy. He emphasized that doctors and healthcare workers must actively listen to patients, comprehend their mental state, and treat them with compassion. The prime minister highlighted that fostering mutual trust, respect, and empathy among all parties, doctors, patients, and their anxious families, is paramount.

"We must remember that ensuring quality healthcare and a proper treatment environment is not the sole responsibility of doctors," Rahman stated. He warned that a lack of security for doctors or trust from patients and their relatives would hinder progress, regardless of infrastructure improvements, and would continue to drive citizens to seek treatment abroad.

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We must remember that ensuring quality healthcare and a proper treatment environment is not the sole responsibility of doctors… If doctors feel insecure, or patients and their relatives do not have trust and respect for doctors, no matter how much we improve hospital infrastructure, we will not be able to stop people from seeking treatment abroad.

The government views healthcare access as a fundamental right and a key driver of national development. Initiatives are underway to ensure quality healthcare is equally available to all, irrespective of location or economic status. This includes establishing primary healthcare units in every union and upgrading upazila hospitals. Furthermore, the government is working on a referral system via the 'e-Health Card' to reduce the need for long-distance travel for treatment, particularly for those in remote areas. The establishment of specialized children's hospitals across several divisions is also a priority, with five set to open simultaneously next October.

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If advanced treatment remains limited to affluent people in cities, it cannot be called a complete modern healthcare system.