This was stated by Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman while addressing the opening session of the 2-day national convention of Bangladesh Dermatological Society at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College auditorium yesterday.

He said the government would take necessary steps to start the proposed Dermatology Institute at Mirpur.

Saifur said the government has started post-graduate courses in five medical colleges which could be converted into universities in future.

Steps are being taken for the appointment of doctors in vacant posts in government hospitals, he added.

The finance minister urged the physicians to work sincerely with a view to improving the standard of service in the health sector.

Referring to the establishment of Community Clinics in rural areas during the past Awami League government, he said it was totally a wrong decision.

Posting of medical officers in those clinics in the remote areas of the country was almost impossible, he added.

The inaugural function was also addressed by State Minister for Health Mizanur Rahman Sinha, Chairman of Bangladesh Institute of Dermatology Prof. Hasan Mohammad Khan, Principal of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Prof. Rezaul Karim, Secretary General of Dermatology Society Dr. Md Akram Ullah Shikder, Prof. Dr. Mujibul Haque, Director of Osmani Medical College Hospital Brigadier General Ismail Hossain, Central Vice-President of BMA Dr. Shamimur Rahman and Dr. Md Siraj Uddin.

President of Dermatological Society Prof. AZM Maidul Islam chaired the opening session.