Health experts said Diabetes prevention could save vision, and huge money and suggested giving greater attention to the prevention of diabetes to avoid blindness and save money every year.
They also emphasized raising awareness of diabetes and its impact on individuals, families, and the national economy.
Speakers made the suggestions at a policy dialogue titled, ‘Integrated Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy Services – Reaching the Unreached’ at a city hotel on Sunday.
Orbis International, Bangladesh organised the dialogue in collaboration with partner organisations, said a media release.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Director General of Directorate General of Medical Education Prof AHM Enayet Hussain said there are some challenges, including cultural and educational barriers, in reaching services to the people who are still unreached.
Citing several research publications at BMC Health Services, Dr Bishwajit Bhowmik, project director of the Centre for Global Health Research under Bangladesh Diabetic Samity (BADAS) said, “Overall, $297 could be saved annually by preventing a single case of diabetes.”
Presiding over the event, National Professor AK Azad Khan said Bangladesh can set up an example in healthcare service worldwide.
Country Director of Orbis International, Bangladesh Dr Munir Ahmed moderated the dialogue while Line Director for Non-communicable Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Robed Amin, and Line Director for Community Based Health Care Dr Masud Reja Kabir, World Health Organisation Medical Officer (NCD) Sadhana Bhagwat, Orbis International Project Manager Shafiqul Islam, Coordinator of Dr K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital Mymensingh Saifuzzaman Parag and Bangladesh Post Executive Editor Shiabur Rahman Shihab, among others, spoke at the event.
Source: United News of Bangladesh