Christian Health Workers in Bangladesh Urged to Reflect Christ Through Medical Service

The Christian Medical Association Bangladesh (CMAB) held its 64th Annual General Meeting on May 15–16, urging Christian doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals across the country to reflect the values of Jesus Christ through compassionate medical service.

The gathering took place at the Holy Cross Retreat and Pastoral Center in Bhadun, just north of Dhaka in central Bangladesh. Around 180 participants attended the event, including doctors, nurses, medical technologists, therapists, and medical students from different parts of the country.

Dr. Arul Anketell, a Sri Lanka-based pediatrician and regional promoter of Healthcare Christian Fellowship International, attended as the chief guest. In his keynote address, he encouraged Christian healthcare workers to proclaim the message of Christ through their professional service to patients.

“The Lord Jesus is the Lord of healthcare,” Anketell said. “Although he has left this world, he has given us the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can continue his mission by spreading his teachings and values through our medical services.”

He said healthcare offers a meaningful path to introduce Christ to people who may not yet know him.

“Just as Jesus performed wonders through the Holy Spirit, we too can do good works and bring hope to others through our care,” he added.

Fr. James Cruze, director of the Holy Cross Retreat and Pastoral Center, attended as a special guest. Reflecting on Christ’s healing ministry, he reminded participants that Jesus combined preaching with acts of healing and compassion.

“When Jesus preached, he also healed the sick. Through his touch, his words, and his presence, people were restored,” Cruze said.

Dr. Martin Hirok Chowdhury, president of CMAB, said Christian healthcare professionals in Bangladesh bear witness to Christ through integrity, dedication, and professionalism while serving in a Muslim-majority nation.

“Our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers serve with sincerity and professionalism. Through their work, they reflect the values of Jesus,” Chowdhury said.

Chowdhury also highlighted CMAB’s outreach programs, particularly its free medical camps in remote and underserved communities.

“We witness Christ through our actions,” he said. “We organize free medical camps, conduct awareness programs, and serve the poor with compassion.”

In 2025, CMAB organized four free medical camps in Meherpur District and Chuadanga districts, providing free treatment and medicines to hundreds of patients.

Despite these efforts, Chowdhury acknowledged several ongoing challenges. He noted that many Christian medical graduates prefer careers in NGOs or the private sector rather than entering government service through the Bangladesh Civil Service examinations.

“If more Christian doctors joined the government sector, they could rise to influential positions and make a wider impact,” he said.

According to CMAB, Bangladesh has more than 200 Christian doctors and around 10,000 nurses, medical technologists, and therapists. The association is also planning scholarship programs to support aspiring Christian healthcare professionals in the future.

The annual meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Christian healthcare workers in Bangladesh to combine professional excellence with faith-based service, continuing Christ’s healing ministry through their daily work.