"Doctors should be dedicated to their service and maintain the integrity of their noble profession," he added.

The state minister was speaking as chief guest at an international seminar on 'Neuro and Orthopaedic Surgery in Third World Countries' organised by Arab Bangladesh General Hospital at a city hotel.

He stressed the need for competition between the government and private hospitals to promote health services in the country.

"The doctors can play an important role in removing the tendency of going abroad for treatment from the mind of our patients through their sincere service," he added.

Dr Indrajit Roy, special neuro surgeon of India, presented a paper on 'Neuro Surgery in Third World Countries' and Chandra Shekhor Dhar, orthopaedic surgeon of India, presented a paper on 'Knee replacement and how to prevent back pain'.

Dr Roy said all tumours are not harmful. "Tumour is curable through proper treatment and diagnosis, " he added.

He also presented different modern strategies of neuro surgery.

Dr Dhar said 80 per cent people suffer in back pain in our sub-continent. "Awareness is needed from the beginning to control the pain," he noted.

In this context, he underscored the need for following some rules like taking rest while driving and working at office.

Dr Mainul Haq Sarkar, associate professor of Sir Salimullah Medical College, said lack of necessary equipment and instrument hamper proper treatment in our country.

Md Saiful Alam Khan Milon, secretary of Ibne Sina Trust, said the government should create congenial atmosphere to develop health care system in the country.

Dr M A Awal, associate professor, Dr ABM Harun, managing director of Shamarita Hospital, and Md Sharif Hossain, managing director of Arab Bangladesh General Hospital, also spoke at the seminar.