Innovation in healthcare is must to progress the health of the country

Star Health recently interviewed Mr. Farrukh Alam, Country Director of Medtronic Bangladesh, a global healthcare solutions company. He shares his insights into the healthcare sector of Bangladesh in this interview. Here is a glimpse of the interview for the readers of Star Health.

Star Health: How do you consider the healthcare sector in Bangladesh?

Farrukh Alam: Since the liberation war, considerable changes took place within the healthcare sector of Bangladesh. The nation's initiatives regarding increasing the number of vaccinations, safe and drinkable water, and improving sanitation solutions have been praiseworthy. Bangladesh became exemplary for the world for its successful campaigns of vaccination for infants. Numerous reports have shown that number of deaths from the transmitted disease has fallen dramatically across the country. Both private and public organizations are tirelessly working towards improving the quality of the healthcare sector of Bangladesh.

Star Health: Do you think the growth and transformation in the healthcare sector in Bangladesh are sufficient?

Farrukh Alam: Bangladesh's healthcare sector is evolving; however, certain challenges need to be tackled before transcending into a new medical facility era. There is an imbalance in the distribution of healthcare workers such as, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are an estimated 3 physicians and 1 nurse per 10,000 population. This creates a challenge for doctors as they cannot allocate enough time for each patient, leading people to travel abroad for treatment. The issue is also creating a loss for the economy. On top of it, most specialised health workers provide services in urban areas, whereas most Bangladesh residents reside in rural places. Thus, to provide better treatment to everyone, it has become mandatory to tackle all these issues.

Star Health: How the private, especially the multinational companies can help to develop the healthcare sector in Bangladesh?

Farrukh Alam: The private sector plays a vital role in delivering health services across Bangladesh. While the public sector contributes to the development of the health infrastructure, leading hospitals and clinics across the nations are owned by the private sectors. Both multinational and private companies have the power and financial stability to bring innovative technology to provide global standard treatments. On top of it, international companies can also develop research labs, and with the help of emerging technologies, they will be able to explore new opportunities and take preventive measures.

Star Health: Is there any innovation by Medtronic which will be introduced in Bangladesh?

Farrukh Alam: Medtronic Bangladesh has been bringing innovative technology to the nation and providing global standard treatment and diagnosis. It has brought high-quality biventricular pacemakers to treat heart disease patients by sending electrical signals to the heart's ventricles using the Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) method. We have been providing numerous therapies and exploring ways to bring more innovative technologies for treatments and diagnosis.

Star Health: What are the major initiatives from Medtronic in the future to develop the healthcare sector in Bangladesh?

Farrukh Alam: For the last 6 decades, our mission has stayed the same – to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for people around the world. But today's healthcare challenges require a new approach – we call it 'Further, Together.' 'Further' because we will continue to put more effort to bring meaningful innovation at the therapy, procedural, and system levels while devising robust solutions with proven clinical and economic value.

'Together' because we will create new and stronger partnerships to help our stakeholders achieve their goal of expanding global access and delivering more seamless, integrated care across the healthcare continuum.

We are committed to bringing the most innovative technologies to all the markets we operate, including Bangladesh.

Star Health: Thank you for your time.

Farrukh Alam: Thank you.