Dhaka:Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced that the government is taking significant steps to expand cancer treatment facilities nationwide. This initiative includes the procurement of new radiotherapy and robotic surgery equipment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister revealed plans to establish eight cancer institutes in the country's eight divisions and to expand radiotherapy services at the district level. This effort aims to improve cancer treatment accessibility at the grassroots level. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Medical Physics Programme at BRAC University in Dhaka, the minister emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing cancer care across Bangladesh.
The new two-year master's program in Medical Physics at BRAC University, introduced by the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department, is designed to address the growing demand for medical physicists in the country. The government plans to procure 17 linear accelerators and introduce five major robotic surgery machines to enhance cancer treatment. Emphasizing early detection and public awareness, the minister highlighted efforts to intensify HPV vaccination campaigns and promote breast cancer self-screening and awareness.
The minister criticized the previous government for damaging the health sector through corruption and assured that the current administration is implementing robust measures to improve the sector. Future plans include establishing Family Wellbeing Centres and transforming community clinics into Health Wellbeing Centres to provide primary-level services, including blood analysis and breast cancer screening. Additionally, upazila hospitals will be upgraded to 150-bed facilities with strengthened services.
The government is preparing to appoint 5,000 doctors and recruit 41,390 health workers, including 25,000 midwives, to bolster healthcare delivery. Minister Sakhawat assured that medical physicists will be recruited to support the expanding cancer treatment facilities, underlining the importance of accurate radiation dosage in radiotherapy for patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
The event at BRAC University also featured speeches from distinguished guests, including Professor Emeritus Dr. AFM Yusuf Haider and NICRH Director Professor Dr. Mostafa Aziz Sumon. BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar chaired the program, with insights from Professor Dr. Golam Abu Zakaria and Professor Hasin Anupama Azhari on the new Medical Physics Programme.