Advanced Domestic Hepatitis Care Will Save Foreign Currency

Social Welfare and Women & Children Affairs Minister Prof. Dr. A Z M Zaheed Hossain highlighted the urgent need to adopt advanced technology and international expertise to propel the country's healthcare system forward. He noted that delivering state-of-the-art treatment for Hepatitis B locally would reduce reliance on foreign medical travel, cut personal healthcare expenses, and save vital foreign currency reserves.

The Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at an event organized by the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), held on 28 July, Tuesday to mark 'World Hepatitis Day', themed 'Elimination for everyone, Everywhere, Right now'.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister warned against rising cases of fatty liver disease caused by excessive carbohydrate consumption and urged widespread public awareness. He also endorsed the proposal to make Hepatitis B screening mandatory for all pregnant women, pledging his full support to realize this policy. Emeritus Professor of Hepatology at Imperial College London, Simon Taylor-Robinson, presented the keynote paper. Commending Prof. Robinson's inclusion in BMU's Hepatology department, the Minister advised other medical colleges to collaborate with global experts to elevate educational standards.

Presided over by Prof. Dr. Md. Samsul Arfin, Chief Consultant at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, the event featured special addresses by BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. F M Siddiqui, National Professor and Society President (Honorary) Prof. Dr. A K Azad Khan, BMU Pro-VC (Academic) Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, and Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad alongside leading medical specialists.
//DBTech/RH/NAM//