PM Backs Bangladesh-Made Medical Devices, Innovation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday underscored the importance of research and innovation in advancing healthcare technology, praising the developers of a locally made ventilator and a high-flow oxygen machine.

During a meeting on the Health Ministry at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, he assured the developers of the government's full support in completing the testing, regulatory approval and commercial production of the two medical devices.

The developers briefed the Prime Minister on the performance, capabilities and future plans for the devices, both developed using local technology, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Tarique Rahman said the government is giving the highest priority to research and innovation to strengthen modern healthcare technologies.

"The government will provide all necessary support for testing, quality certification and production of these medical devices," he said.

Officials at the meeting said the ventilator and high-flow oxygen machine were developed by two teams of local experts.

They said that once regulatory approvals and clinical trials are completed, the devices could be introduced in hospitals across the country and have the potential to be exported to international markets.

As the equipment has been developed locally, it can be produced at a lower cost than imported alternatives, making advanced healthcare more affordable, they added.

Experts attending the meeting said the ventilator is designed to support critically ill patients with severe respiratory conditions. They noted that extensive testing will continue to ensure its safety, effectiveness and compliance with international standards.

They also said the high-flow oxygen machine is intended for patients with less severe respiratory illnesses.

One of its key features is its ability to operate without electricity, making it suitable for use in remote areas with unreliable power supplies and during emergency patient transport in ambulances.

The experts said successful production and deployment of the two locally developed devices would help reduce Bangladesh's dependence on imported medical technology.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Haider, Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Shariful Islam, Associate Professor Dr Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, Assistant Private Secretary-1 to the Prime Minister Dr Mamun Shibly and other senior officials attended the meeting.