Rajshahi: Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) has received a significant donation of alteplase, a life-saving thrombolytic drug valued at approximately Tk 17 crore, from the Netherlands. This generous contribution marks a milestone in providing critical medical care to patients suffering from strokes and heart attacks, conditions that require immediate and effective treatment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the donation was facilitated through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Shirsha Shreyan, an intern from RMCH’s 61st batch. Recognizing the prohibitive cost of alteplase, which is around Tk 50,000 per vial, Dr. Shreyan collaborated with international organizations including the World Stroke Organization, Direct Relief, and the Angel’s Initiative to ensure this essential medication could be offered free of charge to RMCH patients.
Dr. Shreyan’s initiative was supported by Professor Dr. Azizul Haque Azad, a respected medicine specialist, who provided guidance throughout the process. This donation is expected to significantly benefit underprivileged patients in Rajshahi who would otherwise be unable to afford such costly treatment. Dr. Shreyan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Alteplase is a potent drug capable of dissolving dangerous blood clots in both the brain and heart. Each course costs Tk 65,000-70,000, which makes it unaffordable for many. With this donation, patients in Rajshahi can now access this life-saving medicine free of charge.”
To ensure the drug’s maximum efficacy, senior doctors at RMCH have decided to also administer alteplase to heart attack patients, as it effectively dissolves blood clots in the coronary arteries. The transportation of alteplase from abroad required complex logistics, including customs clearance, transport expenses, and continuous cold-chain monitoring to maintain the drug’s strict temperature control of 2-8°C.
The hospital team, in collaboration with Direct Relief, successfully managed these logistical challenges, ensuring the medication arrived safely and ready for use. Doctors at RMCH have now begun administering the drug to eligible patients, marking the largest donation ever received by the hospital. This initiative is expected to save numerous lives and set a precedent for future contributions.
Professor Azizul Haque Azad, Medicine Unit Chief at RMCH, confirmed the arrival of heart disease medicines through Dr. Shreyan’s initiative. The shipment reached Dhaka from the Netherlands on August 20 and was handed over to RMCH authorities on August 27. On Thursday, 70 vials were delivered to the cardiology ward for preservation. “This morning, we administered the drug to two patients, and one of them has already shown improvement. Each patient requires four doses,” said Dr. Abir Hossain, who is in charge of the cardiology unit.