Praava Health Hosts Roundtable and Recognition Ceremony on World Family Doctor Day 2025

In recognition of World Family Doctor Day and its 2025 theme, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” a roundtable was held at Praava Health.

The gathering brought together family medicine doctors, mental health professionals, policy experts, and loyal patients to reflect on the state of primary care in Bangladesh and chart a path forward for more resilient and patient-centered systems, said a press release. 

The roundtable was focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare system through empathy, trust, and community-based care. Participants engaged in a robust discussion covering the future of family medicine, the need for formal policy recognition, the role of home-based services, and the urgent call for mental health integration at the primary care level.

Mohammad Abdul Matin Emon, CEO of Praava Health, opened the dialogue by recalling the early development of Praava’s Family Medicine Department. He emphasized the vital role of Family Medicine Doctors in promoting preventive care and supporting the vision of keeping people healthy and out of hospitals. Mr. Emon also introduced Home Health, a new initiative of Praava Health offering medical consultations, physiotherapy, nursing, and caregiving services at home. He shared that true healing begins where people feel most comfortable. This launch reflects Praava’s vision to expand access, build trust, and help people stay out of hospitals.

A focal voice in the discussion was Prof. Dr. Mohammed Shadrul Alam, Director, Centre for Medical Education (CME), DGME, who shared an inspiring vision for the future of healthcare in Bangladesh. “Transforming our healthcare system begins at home, with empathy, education, and trust. By nurturing care within families, reshaping medical attitudes, and strengthening patient-doctor relationships, we can build a system that inspires confidence, keeps care close to home, and reflects the true heart of healing,” he said, emphasizing the value of community-based care.

Moderated by Dr. Simeen Akhtar, Chief Operating Officer at Praava Health, the discussion highlighted a strong collective agreement on the urgent need for systemic healthcare reform. Dr. Simeen emphasized that empathy lies at the heart of Praava’s philosophy and patients are actively encouraged to seek support no matter how small their concern. This patient-first approach reflects Praava’s commitment to compassionate, accessible, and personalized care.

Dr. Shoaib Ahmad, Senior Consultant, Family Medicine at Praava Health shared, “A family medicine doctor is like a knowledgeable member of your family, someone who truly understands your health.”

Brig Gen (Retd) Prof Dr. Md. Bashidul Islam, Chairman of the CIB Foundation and the Caregivers Institute of Bangladesh, noted the legacy of the family medicine model and the importance of its continuity. “We are hopeful that by having these important conversations today, the next generation will benefit from a strong and trusted family doctor system.”

The presence of patients at the roundtable brought valuable experiences to the conversation, adding depth and authenticity to the discussion. “Praava is more than just a clinic. It is a place of comfort and trust. It offers what patients need the most: time, attention, and genuine care,” shared Amena Rahman, a regular patient of Praava Health.

Ms. Shaiya, another long-time patient, echoed this sentiment, saying, “What truly sets Praava apart is the way they listen. It is not just about treatment. It is about being heard and understood, which is incredibly rare in today’s healthcare system.”

The key outcome of the roundtable was a shared commitment to advancing a more compassionate, inclusive, and prevention-focused healthcare system. Participants recognized that achieving this vision requires more than policies and procedures. It is equally dependent on mutual respect and trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Attendees concluded that true healthcare transformation calls for a meaningful shift in how health and wellbeing are viewed, delivered, and experienced throughout society.