The BMA organised its 17th Medical Conference and Annual General Meeting-2004 at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre here.

Iajuddin said that the nation could save valuable foreign exchange if the doctors could ensure modern and proper treatment in the country.

In this context, the president mentioned different success stories in the medical sector such as bypass surgery, angioplast and kidney transplant.

He said "Uncontrolled smoking is still one of the social ailments in our country." He noted with dismay that "various evil designs" have been crafted to make smoking attractive to the youths.

He also mentioned the threat of environmental pollution caused by industrialisation and rapid urbanisation.

The BMA is an important organisation of professionals and the physicians, with their talent, hard work and sacrifice, have always stood by the people, he said.

He also commended the role played by the physicians during every mass movement, including the language movement of 1952, the War of Liberation and the mass upsurge of 1990.

The president recalled with gratitude the contributions of the martyred physicians like Dr Fazle Rabbi, Dr Aleem Chowdhury and others to the War of Liberation.

Referring to the Primary Health Care programme, introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman in 1978, he said people are now enjoying the fruits of that programme.

"President Zia had initiated a far-reaching programme to take the health services to the doorsteps of the people," Iajuddin said.

He also recalled that President Ziaur Rahman had taken the initiative to introduce health cadre in Bangladesh Civil Service and ensured the appointment of MBBS doctors at the Union Council level.

Iajuddin listed President Zia's contributions in improving the health sector by founding NICVD, NIO and NIPSOM for post-graduate education and training of the physicians.

In continuation of those initiatives, the present government has also taken up various steps to improve the public health sector, he said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain and State Minister Mizanur Rahman Sinha attended the conference as special guests. BMA President Prof MA Hadi presided.