"Such a centre can play an important role in treating patients and promoting healthcare facilities," he said and referred to his personal interest in this regard while inaugurating a plantation campaign at Bangabhaban. He also planted a "Haritaki" sapling there.

The president said the continued and unlimited services of tree in ensuring sound health of the people, healthy environment and protection of biosphere from harmful affects were now a scientifically recognised fact.

Minister for Environment and Forests Shahjahan Siraj and State Minister Jafrul Islam Chowdhury were present on the occasion.

Shahjahan Siraj said as many as six crore saplings were planted last year and more trees were expected to be planted this year under the annual plantation campaign, especially to reverse the trend of desertification in northern region.

"Several thousand gardens of medicinal plants are to be set up across the country under the plantation campaign this year," he said.

A garden of fruit-bearing and medicinal plants is to be developed at Bangabhaban under this year's afforestation drive.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Bangabhaban joined the function organised by Public Works Department.