Dhaka: Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain emphasized the necessity of adopting modern technology and acquiring international expertise to enhance the country's healthcare system during an event at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). The event, organized by the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society, marked World Hepatitis Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Zahid highlighted that ensuring advanced treatment for Hepatitis B within the country would reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, thereby lowering medical expenses and conserving foreign currency. He noted the increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease among the population, attributing it to excessive sugar consumption, and stressed the importance of raising public awareness about this issue.
The minister acknowledged the appointment of Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson, Emeritus Professor of Hepatology at Imperial College London, in the Department of Hepatology at BMU as a significant step. He stated that involving foreign and regional experts to evaluate students according to international and regional standards would be pivotal in improving the quality of medical education in the country. Zahid encouraged other medical colleges to undertake similar initiatives.
Addressing the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society's demand to make Hepatitis B screening mandatory for all pregnant women, Zahid described the proposal as timely and assured his support to facilitate its implementation. The event also featured a keynote paper presentation by Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson.
Prominent attendees included BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr FM Siddiqui, National Professor and Honorary President of the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society Professor Dr AK Azad Khan, BMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr Md Nazrul Islam, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad. The programme was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Arfin, Chief Consultant of Bangladesh Specialized Hospital.