Combatting Covid-19: Indian TV channel honours 2 Bangladeshi doctors with ‘Chikitshwak Ratna’ title

Two Bangladeshi doctors--Dr Biddut Barua and Dr Saleh Mahmood Tusher--have been honoured with "Chikitshwak Ratna" title by the Headlines Tripura television channel of India.

They are among fourteen doctors who have been recognised for their contribution to the health sector.

Dr Biddut Barua was bestowed with the title for his outstanding contribution in setting up the first Covid-19 field hospital—Chattogram Field Hospital. Meanwhile Dr Saleh was honoured for providing 360-degree service to Covid-19 patients in Bangladesh.

On Saturday, Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb handed over the awards to a total of 14 awardees in an event held at a hotel in the state capital of Agartala.

Of the other awardees, ten were from different healthcare organisations in India, one was from USA and one from the UK.

Between March and April last year, Dr Biddut Barua launched the first Covid-19 field hospital. With 21 volunteers, he served Covid-19 patients for 140 days during a time when Covid-19 was feared by all in the country.

Meanwhile, Dr Saleh served more than 4,000 Covid-19 patients with all necessary support in cooperation with Broadcast Journalist Center in Dhaka.

"We started working at a time when Covid-19 was a word of panic. I feel honoured for this recognition," Dr Saleh told The Daily Star.

Dr Saleh Mahmood Tusher works in the Covid-19 unit of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.