His vision still guides healthcare

Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury’s lifelong contributions to community-based healthcare, affordable medicine, and people-centered development remain a guiding force for Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) and beyond, said speakers on Saturday at a commemorative event marking his third death anniversary.

They noted that Zafrullah’s vision continues to inspire the struggle for a just, equitable, and accessible healthcare system in Bangladesh, underscoring his role as a pioneer of pro-people medical services.

Marking the third death anniversary of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Saturday recalled him as “a movement in himself.”

In a Facebook post, Yunus, also the former chief advisor of the interim government, wrote that Zafrullah’s lifelong struggle was for the rights of the poor, especially healthcare for the most vulnerable. He stood firmly beside Grameen Bank’s women members, offering active and courageous solidarity. Even in declining health, his commitment to the disenfranchised never wavered.

Yunus said Zafrullah would have drawn inspiration from today’s youth fighting for a better Bangladesh. “May his life continue to guide us. May he rest in eternal peace.”

GK, along with its sister concerns in Savar, solemnly observed the 3rd death anniversary of its founder Dr. Zafrullah with due respect, dignity, and collective remembrance.

The event commenced with the laying of floral tributes at his grave, where members of the Board of Trustees, officials, employees, and well-wishers paid their respects.

A remembrance meeting and doa mahfil was followed by, where long-time colleagues, comrades, and associates shared their memories and reflections on Dr. Chowdhury’s life, struggles, and enduring legacy.

At the event, they said Zafrullah remained vocal in support of democratic movements and continued his struggle for people’s rights until his death.

A documentary screening on the life and work of Dr. Chowdhury were held, offering attendees a renewed engagement with his vision, struggles, and lifelong commitment to equitable healthcare.

Among the speakers were Dr. Abul Kashem Chowdhury, Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Momtaz Begum, and Rijia Akhtar, along with other distinguished colleagues. Former employees of GK were also present, according to a press release.

GK founder and valiant freedom fighter Dr Zafrullah died at the age of 81 in Aprill 11, 2023 at the Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital.

A leading civil society figure, he was a vascular surgeon by background alongside a public health expert, who earned the reputation of being the architect 1982 National Drug Policy to reach expensive medicines at a cheaper price to ordinary people’s doorsteps.

He had joined the Liberation War while he was a medical student in the UK and set up a 480-bed hospital named “Bangladesh Field Hospital’’, under the wartime in Sector 2, to treat wounded freedom fighters. Following the independence, he founded the GK in Savar in 1972.

He was given Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 and the Right Livelihood Award in 1992 for his work in the public health sector. Dr Zafrullah was the recipient of Swadhinata Padak, the highest civilian award of Bangladesh.

Son of Humayun Morshed Chowdhury, a student of anti-British movement revolutionary Masterda Surya Sen, Zafrullah was born on December 27, 1941, in Raozan upazila of Chattogram district.