Bogura:Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has announced an allocation of Tk 25 crore to initiate heart surgery services at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) in Bogura.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative was initially proposed by the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in 2006 but was not implemented due to a government change. The current government plans to fulfill this uncompleted project by establishing comprehensive heart surgery services at the hospital, along with hiring the required staff.
The announcement was made during a discussion marking the 35th founding anniversary of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College. Former principal and project director Prof Dr Mawdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel was the keynote speaker, and Bogura-6 lawmaker Md Rezaul Karim Badsha and reserved women's seat lawmaker Suraia Zarin Rony attended as special guests.
Minister Sakhawat also noted that the tender process for acquiring 37 dialysis machines is complete, aiming to expand the hospital's kidney dialysis services, which will soon increase its capacity to 50 beds. In addition, a multi-head microscope will be provided to enhance practical education and training for students in the Department of Nephrology, and 20 additional beds will be added.
He emphasized Bogura's role as a central hub for medical treatment in the northern region and mentioned the government's plan to improve access to advanced treatments for diseases such as cancer and liver disorders. He encouraged hospital authorities to submit a list of current issues for gradual resolution.
The event was chaired by Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir, Assistant Personal Physician to the Prime Minister and convener of the SZMCH Alumni Association. Other notable attendees included Gaibandha Zilla Parishad Administrator Prof Dr Syed Moinul Hasan Sadik, Bogura City Corporation Administrator MR Islam Swadhin, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Prof Dr Md Nazmul Hossain, and SZMCH Principal Prof Dr Md Wadudul Hoque Tarafder.