RAJSHAHI, May 24, 2021 (BSS) – Health experts stressed ensuring hundred percent institutional delivery with antenatal and postnatal cares for substantial and sustainable reduction of obstetric fistula.
Defining as one of the most devastating pregnancy related morbidity in the country, they viewed that mostly affected women from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds remained neglected.
Identification of obstetric fistula case coupled with quality surgery and safe surgery is extremely needed as rehabilitation and reintegration of patients should be strengthened further, they mentioned.
Utmost emphasis should be given on mitigating the problem with collective efforts of all government and non-government and specialists concerned, they said.
The experts and development activists came up with the observation while addressing a virtual meeting on the issue with all stakeholders, including the district level health and social service officials, from Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions on Sunday.
This year, the theme of the Day is “Women’s rights are human rights! End Fistula now”.
Department of Health Services and LAMB Hospital jointly hosted the meeting in association with UNFPA Bangladesh, discussing and devising ways and means on how to eliminate the obstetric fistula with a holistic approach.
Dr Beatrice Ambauen from LAMB Hospital presented a keynote paper titled “End Obstetric Fistula in Rangpur and Rajshahi Division: Achievements and Challenges” giving an overview of the present situation of the problem and way-outs.
She told the meeting that obstetric fistula is one such chronic debilitating condition for women around the country. Obstructed and prolonged labors are the prime causes for developing obstetric fistula, she said.
She told the meeting that various government and non-government organizations concerned including LAMB Hospital are implementing need-based programmes including case Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.
Divisional Director of Health Dr Ahad Ali addressed the meeting as the chief guest, while Assistant Director Dr Zawaherul Anam Siddiki Moderated it.
Dr. Animesh Biswas from UNFPA Bangladesh and Mahatab Liton from LAMB Hospital disseminated their expertise on the issue.
Civil Surgeons Dr Fazlulur Rahman and Dr Abdul Kuddus and Deputy Directors of the department of social services Rokon Ul Islam, Anirudho Roy and Muhammad Samsuzzaman, among others, took part in the open discussion.
In his remarks, Dr Ahad Ali said obstetric fistula is preventable as Directorate General of Health Services has prioritized the fistula elimination programme in Bangladesh aimed at ending obstetric fistula by 2030.