Zafrullah Chowdhury

Zafrullah Chowdhury (27 December 1941 – 11 April 2023) was a Bangladeshi public health activist, physician, and the founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, a rural healthcare organization in Bangladesh. He was a key figure in the development of public health policies in Bangladesh and an advocate for affordable healthcare.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Zafrullah was born on 27 December 1941 in Chittagong, British India (now Bangladesh). He completed his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1964 and pursued postgraduate training in general and vascular surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom.

Personal Life

Zafrullah was married to Dr. Jebunnesa Chowdhury, a fellow healthcare professional, and the couple had three children. He passed away on 11 April 2023 at the age of 81.

Role in Bangladesh Liberation War

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Zafrullah Chowdhury returned to Bangladesh and played a critical role in setting up a field hospital for injured freedom fighters and refugees in the Indian border area of Tripura. His work during the war highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare, especially in rural areas.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra

In 1972, he founded Gonoshasthaya Kendra (People’s Health Centre) with the vision of providing affordable healthcare to underserved populations. The organization became a model for community-based healthcare systems and emphasized the use of locally produced, low-cost medicines.

Zafrullah was instrumental in drafting Bangladesh's first National Drug Policy in 1982, which aimed to ensure the availability of essential medicines at affordable prices. This policy was internationally recognized as a progressive step in public health.

Activism

Beyond healthcare, Zafrullah was known for his advocacy on issues such as human rights, education, and gender equality. He often voiced his opinions on political and social matters, which sometimes brought him into conflict with authorities.

Awards and Recognition

Zafrullah Chowdhury received several national and international accolades for his contributions to public health, including:

• Ramon Magsaysay Award (1985) for Community Leadership.
• Right Livelihood Award (1992) for his innovative approaches to public health.

Legacy

Zafrullah Chowdhury's work in healthcare and his contributions to the Liberation War have left a lasting impact on Bangladesh. Gonoshasthaya Kendra continues to serve millions of people, embodying his vision for accessible and equitable healthcare.