Inclusion of meditation in medical services reduces health expenditure: Bangladeshi Physicians
Bangladeshi renowned physicians have welcomed the government's initiative to include meditation in the medical treatment as an alternative treatment and opined that its long term reflection is likely in reduction of health expenditure of the country.
They also called upon the authorities concerned to include meditation in both education and medical curriculum to help people lead a healthy life.
The physicians were sharing their views during a scientific seminar on "inclusion of meditation as alternative treatment: our responsibility'' organised by Quantum Foundation at IDEB bhaban, Dhaka, Bangladesh on Friday, 12 May 2023.
National Professor Dr Shahla Khatun attended the seminar as chief guest while former Dean of the Faculty of Basic Science and Paraclinical Science of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Professor Dr M Iqbal Arslan and founder Chairman of Palliative Care Department in BSMMU Professor Dr Nezamuddin Ahmed as special guests.
Chaired by renowned mental health specialist and writer Anwara Syed Haq, the seminar was attended by around 400 physicians of public and private hospitals.
Quantum Heart Club Coordinator Dr Muniruzzaman presented the keynote paper in the seminar.
The guests also unveiled a magazine titled 'Meditation in physicians' prescription'.
The National Professor said gradual improvement in medical science finds the possibility of gene regulation and expressed her view that meditation can help in this connection.
Dr M Iqbal Arslan highlighted the impact of meditation on the health economy and said the government's significant budget spending for health could be reduced through practicing meditation.
In this connection the former dean said inclusion of meditation in the social science of education curriculum can help the young generation to lead a healthy life from an early stage.
The speakers also considered the Health Directorate's decision to include meditation part of the health service a timely and epoch-making one.
The speakers said meditation is now recognized as a part of health service worldwide because of its proven roles in healing, preventing and relieving diseases including stress, anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
According to scientists, meditation is an exercise of the brain as it works to reorganise, active, and lively the brain just like jogging does in increasing muscle strength and swimming in the biceps strength.
The special guests also expressed the belief that Yoga-meditation plays an effective role in becoming fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
The Ministry of Health and Family Planning took meditation into account as alternative treatment to problems like hypertension, depression, stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart and stroke related complications during last December.
The Directorate of Health has already directed concerned departments through an official letter recently to take measures for creating awareness to all concerned.
