Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum today emphasized the urgent need to produce more specialist doctors in the country to ensure effective cancer treatment, as the number of cancer patients continues to rise. "The number of cancer patients in our country is increasing day by day-not only breast cancer but other types as well. We need to change our food habits and become more health-conscious," she said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser was addressing a program marking Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital. She stressed the importance of producing enough specialist doctors to ensure cancer awareness and treatment reach people in every district, highlighting that trained professionals are vital in expanding cancer care across the country.
Highlighting the government's initiatives, Nurjahan mentioned that the present government has already ensured facilities for cancer, kidney, and dialysis treatment at every divisional hospital. She stated that the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine is crucial for cancer treatment and revealed that the government has embarked on an initiative worth Tk 363 crore to procure six more LINAC machines, expected to arrive within the next few months.
Nurjahan praised the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for its timely initiatives in breast cancer treatment and assured that the government would continue to provide all necessary support. She criticized bureaucratic complexities for slowing down development activities, citing an instance where a file remained pending with one person for over a month, and urged officials to work with utmost sincerity.
Referring to the upcoming national election, she noted, "After the national election in February, some of us may no longer be here. But institutions like Grameen Bank and Grameen NGOs will always stand beside you." She assured continued support for ordinary people through Grameen Bank.
Addressing the limitations in sending doctors abroad for training due to financial constraints, Nurjahan suggested inviting foreign specialists to Bangladesh to impart training to local doctors. "There is no barrier to gaining experience by bringing foreign experts here," she said, urging the Directorate General of Health Services and all concerned to take necessary measures.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr. Md Abu Jafar, emphasized that breast cancer is completely curable if detected early. He advised against delaying or feeling embarrassed about going for screening and noted that although awareness has traditionally focused on women over 40, many cases are now being found among those under 30, urging anyone noticing symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.