Zafrullah Chowdhury's health policy 'still relevant'

The health policy formulated by Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury in 1990 is still relevant and should be implemented to ensure the welfare of the country, said Chairman of the Department of Pharmacology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Professor Sayedur Rahman.

Speaking at a lecture on Monday on the occasion of Drik's 34th founding anniversary at the Drik Path Bhaban in the capital's Panthapath area, Sayedur said once the policy was implemented, it would be easier to gauge whether it needed any upgrading or changes.

At the lecture titled "Dr Zafarullah, 1982 Drug Policy and Health Movement of Bangladesh," Sayedur said Zafrullah played a key role in demystifying healthcare and trying to make it understandable to the masses.

"The Gonoshasthaya monthly magazine used to publish in Bangla many articles from the British Medical Journal, among others. What was being discussed in the monthly regarding public health 40 years ago is being discussed now."

Exemplifying Zarfrullah's far-sightedness, Sayedur mentioned that in 1972, Gonoshasthaya Kendra in their job advertisement that no smokers need to apply.  

"No country in the world has been able to demonstrate this level of courage and wisdom in opposing the power of tobacco companies," he said.

Regarding the drug policy of 1982, where Zafrullah played a leading role, Sayedur said it didn't only focus on drug availability but also on developing the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

After the policy was implemented, 1,742 unnecessary drugs were banned and the import of those drugs which could easily be manufactured in the country was also stopped.

"In 1981, domestic pharmaceutical companies did not have an annual profit of more than Tk5 crore. Now they are making a profit of Tk500-600 crore," Sayedur said.

"At that time Bangladesh was one of the 14 countries in the world that had a drug policy. Due to this policy, an importing country could become self-sufficient in the pharmaceutical industry."

Slamming the drug policies that came after, Sayedur said, "In the National Drug Policy of 2005, the word health is nowhere except in the name of the Ministry of Health. After much criticism came the drug policy of 2016, which only sang praises of the WHO, where the word 'health' appeared." 

Sayedur also said it was difficult to put Dr Zafrullah's identity in one box due to his multidimensional nature, as a women empowerment activist, healthcare advocate and a freedom fighter.

On women empowerment, Zafrullah looked into whether professional driver licences could be issued for women. 

"He was able to convince everyone that cars are safe in the hands of women. His driver was the first woman to get a driving licence. He also included women in various jobs," Sayedur said.

He also said Zafrullah was driven by his moral compass, basing decisions on whether it was good or bad for the poor. 

"I believe that in the future, various institutions of different countries around the world will conduct research on Zafarullah Chowdhury," he said.

The event was also attended by Drik Managing Director Shahidul Alam and economist Anu Muhammad, among others.