Gastroenterology Gears Up for Liver Transplant Breakthrough in Bangladesh
A scientific seminar and pre-conference marking the 31st annual conference of the Gastroenterology Society of Bangladesh were held on Saturday (January 10) at a hotel in the capital. The event highlighted groundbreaking progress and future plans in gastroenterology treatment in the country, including liver transplantation and advanced management of pancreatic stones. Speakers said a new horizon is set to open in gastroenterology care in Bangladesh, with world-class services, including liver transplantation, to be launched soon.
The inaugural session was graced by National Professor Dr A K Azad Khan as the chief guest. In his address, he said gastroenterology-related diseases are a major public health concern in Bangladesh and globally. He stressed the need to expand advanced treatment services to district and upazila levels, alongside developing skilled human resources in the sector.
As a special guest, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam underscored the importance of accurate diagnosis, modern and evidence-based treatment, training, and clinical audits in gastroenterology and liver disease care.
Other special guests included Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser; Professor Dr Nazmul Hossain, Director General (Medical Education) of the Directorate General of Health Services; and Professor Dr Fazila-Tun-Nessa Malik of the National Heart Foundation and Research Institute.
The event was attended by President of the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society Professor Dr A Q M Mohsen, Secretary General Professor Dr Dewan Saifuddin Ahmed, society members, and renowned local and international specialists.
Earlier, on Friday evening (January 9), a pre-conference programme was held at a restaurant of the Military Museum Amphitheatre in Bijoy Sarani. Addressing the event as chief guest, Health and Family Welfare Ministry Adviser Nurjahan Begum said Bangladesh must ensure the success of liver transplant programmes, stressing that the service is vital for the country’s people and that the government is providing necessary support.
She added that improving healthcare quality is essential to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, and that medical professionals play a key role in elevating the country’s dignity through progress in healthcare.
During the inaugural session, it was announced that initiatives are underway to introduce liver transplantation services in Bangladesh for patients with end-stage liver diseases, including cirrhosis. The government has already allocated Tk 500 million to develop the required infrastructure.
In addition, the introduction of advanced treatment for pancreatic stones will allow many patients to receive care locally without complex surgery. Initiatives are also being taken to expand services such as endoscopic ultrasound, organ-preserving cancer treatments, gastrointestinal vascular interventions, and simulator-based training for ERCP procedures.
Speakers noted that Bangladesh has an adequate number of specialist physicians, and with wider access to modern medical technologies and regular training, the country can achieve self-reliance in gastroenterology and liver disease treatment.
DBTech/DMO/EK/OR
