Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam said that all employees, officers and medical officers have to play an important role in the development of OPD or outpatient services of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). Effective, compassionate and patient-centered services must be ensured through cooperation and professionalism. All concerned should work together to develop OPD as a model of excellent medical services. He said this in a presentation titled ‘World-class healthcare: current and possible’ on the outpatient department (OPD) activities of the university at a view-sharing meeting organized at the A Block Auditorium of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Wednesday August 20, 2025. With the aim of making BMU’s outpatient services more advanced and patient-friendly, this exchange of views service was organized with all medical officers, officials, senior staff nurses, third and fourth class employees, and outsourcing employees working in Outpatient Departments-1 and 2 of the university administration.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam in his presentation mentioned that BMU was established in 1998 and is the first medical university in the country. Since its establishment, BMU has been playing a leading role in improving the quality of postgraduate medical education in the country. The main mission of the university is to improve the quality of research, training and health care. BMU is creating opportunities for the development of innovation, ideas and insights among teachers, residents and staff. Students are prepared with professional skills, knowledge, empathy and critical thinking. So that students can increase their empathy and sense of social responsibility by participating in active social service. In addition, students can learn how to apply their acquired knowledge in real-life healthcare situations from BMU. BMU offers various interesting courses that provide professional development and career advancement.
Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam said, OPD or Outpatient Department Services and Objectives of BMU OPD is the first and important contact point for the patients of the hospital. It provides non-emergency medical services, diagnosis, minor surgeries and rehabilitation. The main objective of OPD is to ensure patient-centric, timely and efficient treatment. It also helps in keeping the healthcare system of the hospital smooth and well-organized. The main objectives of improving the quality of OPD services include strengthening teamwork among doctors, employees and officers and ensuring that every patient feels confident and safe.
Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam’s presentation emphasized that serving patients is not just a duty; it is an act of worship and reward. According to a Hadis in Mujam al-Awsate, “The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to people.” Therefore, the main goal of the work will be to benefit people.
Regarding the role of medical staff and medical officers in providing medical services, Prof. Dr. Alam mentioned that the role of OPD staff is to establish first contact with the patient and reduce confusion by providing correct instructions. They should maintain discipline, cleanliness and compassion. Medical officers should set an example through professionalism and honesty. They should diagnose diseases correctly and provide timely treatment. In addition, they will guide the staff and conduct the service activities properly.
Challenges and Solutions the Vice Chancellor said that the high number of patients in OPD and the need to provide stress-free services is a big challenge. As a possible solution, it is necessary to improve coordination and information exchange between doctors and staff, use technology and training to increase the effectiveness of services, and maintain discipline and punctuality. In his presentation, it was mentioned in ‘Surah At-Tawbah’ that Allah loves the pious and one of the characteristics of the pious is to perform his duties properly.
In this important exchange of views, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Bangladesh Medical University, Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Treasurer Prof. Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, Registrar Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine, Prof. Dr. Md. Abdus Shakur, Director (Hospital) Brigadier General Abu Noman Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, Associate Professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dr. Zeba Un Nahar (Dona), and others were present.