Dr Professor Parviz Shahidi, a pediatric orthopedic, and one of the founders of Bangladesh Society of Pediatric Orthopedics, speaks on Mental and Spiritual Health at the seminar.
A seminar titled "Healthy Individual, Healthy Community" was organised by the Baha'i Community in Dhaka on Saturday (May 4, 2024) stressed upon the need of a holistic approach towards health.
Dr Kaosar Afsana, Professor of James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, talked about achievements of Bangladesh in health sector like world recognised oral saline, sanitation, clean drinking water and increase in lifespan.
"But, there are sectors where we need a lot of improvement like investment in health sector, especially in public sector," she said, adding that a generation has grown up in getting health services almost exclusively from public hospitals but now health has become highly commercialised.
Dr Kaosar Afsana, Professor of James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, talks about achievements of Bangladesh in health sector
According to Dr Afsana, there are too many systems of health which increases the expenses for individuals and public sector. "So, we need education and knowledge on health," she said.
She further said that health is directly linked with environment. "We have to learn from our indigenous communities because they are still in touch with the nature."
Dr Professor Parviz Shahidi, a pediatric orthopedic, and one of the founders of Bangladesh Society of Pediatric Orthopedics, spoke on Mental and Spiritual Health at the seminar.
He emphasized the fact that happiness can never be achieved unless and until "we accept the fact that human existence is not just its physical existence, we must recognise the higher level of existence which might be called spiritual existence for a balanced, contented and wholesome life."
He suggested that while all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity no matter what illness they may have and no matter how such an illness may have been acquired, many of these disabilities may be impossible to eradicate or significantly reduce without consideration of the moral and spiritual responsibilities.
He concluded that service to humanity and love for all is the surest way of spiritual, mental and physical health. Believing in "We are all the flowers of one garden, fruits of one tree and leaves of one branch", will help us achieve that unity and comfort our soul.
Around 100 guests attended the event held at the auditorium of National Baha'i Center in Dhaka.
The seminar was followed by a lively open discussion.
