Sirajganj: Experts at a community-level awareness meeting unanimously emphasized that screening and diagnosis are essential for the early recovery and proper rehabilitation of patients suffering from obstetric fistula. They highlighted the importance of identifying patients, noting that many governmental and non-governmental organizations are actively addressing this health issue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the experts shared their insights while providing one-time support to a patient who had recovered after receiving treatment at the Chauhali Upazila Health Complex. The patient, Moyjon Begum, 72, from Baishbari village in Chauhali Upazila, had been enduring obstetric fistula for 28 years. Diagnosed on January 22, 2026, at the Fistula Corner of the District Hospital in Sirajganj, she was later admitted to the Fistula Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on January 28, 2026, where she underwent surgery on February 9, 2026, and has since recovered.
The support is part of an obstetric fistula identification campaign that has begun in Ullapara and Tarash upazilas under Sirajganj District, aiming to eliminate obstetric fistula. Field-level search activities commenced on March 2 across 14 unions and are set to continue for 15 days. The ‘End obstetric fistula project,’ funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with technical support from the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), involves field workers collecting information on potential fistula patients through household visits.
Suspected fistula patients are diagnosed at designated fistula corners in district hospitals, and all confirmed cases are referred to the National Fistula Centre at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital for surgery. There, patients receive free medical treatment, including travel expenses, along with rehabilitation support for those in need after completing treatment.
An easy way to identify an obstetric fistula patient is the continuous leakage of urine or stool through the birth canal, which may occur after prolonged obstructed labor or following abdominal or uterine surgery.
At the awareness meeting, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. ABM Kaiser, Medical Officers Dr. Zakaria Bin Submarin and Dr. Fahim, and District Coordinator of CIPRB Saiful Islam Sharif were among those present. Dr. Kaiser emphasized that patients suffering from obstetric fistula are receiving free treatment and rehabilitation support thanks to the collaborative efforts of various government and non-government organizations. He stressed the importance of spreading awareness about these cost-free treatment and rehabilitation facilities, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas, to ensure more patients can access these vital services.