Genomic Technology Could Make Bangladesh a Regional Hub for Cancer Care

Bangladesh could emerge as a world-class regional healthcare hub by fully utilizing genomic sequencing and precision medicine for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Although the country has adequate genomic sequencing facilities, their potential remains underutilized. Effective application of these technologies could enable genetic profiling, more accurate diagnosis and customized treatment for patients.

Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain highlighted these opportunities while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a training course titled ‘Training Course on PET-CT & Cyclotron’. The event was held on Saturday, November 14, at the mini auditorium of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Hossain said that despite having adequate genomic sequencing facilities, Bangladesh was not making proper use of them. He expressed optimism that the country could become a world-class regional hub in the near future by introducing advanced diagnostic services and customized treatment.

He also emphasized the need to expand preventive and precision medicine while harnessing the potential of young people and talented medical professionals. Such efforts, he said, could broaden the scope of new drug discovery and industrial development.

With proper planning and adherence to international protocols, Bangladesh could produce world-class medicines and deliver advanced healthcare services at comparatively low costs. He expressed confidence that these products and services could serve domestic needs and also be exported to international markets.

Highlighting the importance of the training course, the secretary said it would strengthen the skills of young doctors and researchers. The appropriate application of nuclear medicine technologies could also help take the country's healthcare sector to a new level.

The programme was chaired by Dr Mahfuza Khan, Member (Bioscience) of BAEC. BAEC Chairman Dr M. Moinul Islam attended as special guest.

A welcome address was delivered by A. S. M. Habib Ullah Khan, Director of the commission's Human Resource Development (HRD) Division. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr Zinat Jabin, Director of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

The training course, attended by 34 participants, will continue until November 25, 2026.

//DBTech/MRSP/SCDE/FOED//