A two-day long international conference for pathologists has been going on in the capital with the aim of sharing knowledge and getting ideas about the latest technology in diagnosis.
The ‘1st International Conference and 7th National Conference’ organized by Bangladesh Academy of Pathology, a national organization for pathologists has been inaugurated at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Saturday. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Deen Md. Nurul Haque; former Director General of the Department of Health Professor Shah Munir Hossain; President of the organization Professor Dr. Md. Golam Mustafa were present at the inaugural program.
Pathologists play the most important role in correct diagnosis to provide proper treatment, said the speakers at the opening ceremony. Treatment of various complex diseases, including cancer, depends largely on the correct diagnosis by a skilled pathologist through the use of tests and modern technology. Pathologists in Bangladesh are working efficiently despite various inadequacies. But despite the increase in the number of students in government medical colleges, the post of pathology teachers has not increased at the same rate. There are not enough pathologists and technologists to serve the large population. There is technological inadequacy across the country in diagnosing various diseases, especially cancer. As a result, cancer patients are moving from the marginal stage to Dhaka and abroad. Which involves increasing medical costs and complications.
In the event, the General Secretary of the academy, Prof. Dr. Shahed Ali Jinnah said that currently a kind of collection center has been created; which work for the corporate labs of the neighboring country, through which patient samples are being smuggled and sent to that country for testing. Thousands of crores of taka are being traded illegally through these centers. Again, there are questions about the credibility and accountability of the reports received. A category of service providers is also involved in sharing patients from various public and private institutions. He called upon the Ministry of Health to take measures in this regard. In this two-day conference, about three hundred and fifty local and foreign pathologists, including pathologists from America, Canada, India, Singapore, participated in various sessions, exchanged experience and knowledge and shared ideas about cutting-edge technology. It should be noted that Bangladesh Academy of Pathology, established in 2012, has been playing a leading role in improving the quality of pathology education and services and protecting the interests of pathologists across the country.