Dhaka: State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit announced today that Bangladesh is set to begin full-fledged liver transplants by the end of this year or early next year. This announcement came in response to an emergency public notice raised by BNP lawmaker Rasheda Begum Hira at the Jatiya Sangsad, with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presiding.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit highlighted that while liver transplants have been attempted at BIRDEM and Bangladesh Medical University, previous administrations had not established sustainable facilities for these complex procedures. The current government, however, has prioritized the creation of a comprehensive liver transplant setup.
To this end, the government has invested Taka 39 crore in procuring essential equipment for the National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital. Five types of equipment have already arrived in Bangladesh, with ten more expected this month. Dr. Muhit indicated that it would take approximately two months to prepare the necessary manpower and facilities, paving the way for the liver transplant program to commence.
Historically, Bangladesh has faced challenges in performing liver transplants due to a shortage of skilled personnel and other obstacles. The new initiative aims to alleviate these issues, allowing patients to receive treatment domestically and reducing costs and suffering. The health ministry estimates that liver transplants in Bangladesh could cost around Tk 30 lakh, significantly less than the Tk 70 lakh to Tk 1 crore required for similar procedures abroad.