DHAKA, Feb 04, 2019 (BSS) – Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid
Maleque today said to ensure swift and standard treatment for cancer
patients, present government is going to construct eight 100-seat cancer
hospitals in eight divisional cities across the country.
“I discussed the matter with Prime Minister already and it was also on
the election manifesto of Awami League. Present government led by Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to ensure treatment for patients of
cancer. Fifty-bed cancer hospital has been turned into 300-bed during the
tenure of this government,” he said.
Zahid Maleque said these at a discussion organized by National Cancer
Research Institute and Hospital (NICRH) in capital’s Mohakhali area marking
World Cancer Day 2019.
The minister further said modern machineries are being collected in
health sector and new doctors and nurses have been recruited.
Chaired by Director of National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital
(NICRH) Prof Dr Md Moarraf Hossain, the programme was also attended by
Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) president Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin,
acting director general of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr
Nasima Sultana, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice Chancellor
Kanak Kanti Barua, Swadhinota Chikitshok Parishad president Prof Dr Iqbal
Arslan, Awami League Health and Population Affairs Secretary Dr Rokeya
Sultana were present among others.
“Cancer patients are increasing day by day and at present more than 15
lakh cancer patients in the country, according to an updated estimation of
World Health Organization (WHO),” Zahid Maleque added.
The report also showed that every year two lakh people were attacked by
cancer and 1.5 lakh people die of the disease.
Prof Dr Md Moarraf Hossain in his speech said around 550 patients are
being given radiotherapy and around 275 patients getting chemotherapy daily
at NICRH.
“Most of the cancer patients are getting chemotherapy medicine for free
at this hospital, which is a breakthrough initiative of the current
government,” he said.
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect
any part of the body. Cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that
grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts
of the body and spread to other organs.
World Cancer Day event takes place every year on February 4 to unite the
world’s population to fight against cancer.
This year the theme of the Day is ‘I Am and I Will’, which refers —
Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for
yourself, the people you love and for the world. It’s time to make a personal
commitment.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated the liquid oxygen plant, CT scan
machine, MRI machine and chemotherapy day-care management system at the
hospital.