United News of Bangladesh

Ninety new dengue cases were recorded across the country in the 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the total number of cases to 3,857 since the beginning of this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows, 64 in Barishal Division (outside the city corporation), seven in Chattogram Division (outside the city corporation), five in Dhaka North City Corporation, 13 in Dhaka South City Corporation, and one in Mymensingh Division (outside the city corporation). The death toll from the mosquito-borne disease remains unchanged at 23, said DGHS. Dengue: 47 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs As of Saturday morning, 332 dengue patients were undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives in Bangladesh. A total of 101,214 cases and 100,040 recoveries were reported in 2023, DGHS data shows.

Seventeen more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 3,767 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows, 10 in Barishal Division (out of city corporation), one in Dhaka North City Corporation, and six in Dhaka South City Corporation. Dengue: 14 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs The number of deaths remained at 23, according to the DGHS. Currently, 315 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Excessive daily salt intake is significantly increasing the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney ailments in Bangladesh.  According to a research, Bangladeshi adults consume an average of 9 grams of salt per day—almost double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 grams. As a result, around 25,000 people die each year from salt-related health complications, according to public health experts. This information was shared on Wednesday at a discussion meeting organised by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2025, held at  National Press Club. The meeting was chaired by Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. Dr. Ahmad Khairul Abrar, coordinator of the Salt Reduction Program at the institute, presented the keynote paper. The presentation highlighted that processed foods are a major source of excessive salt intake. Even when these foods don’t taste salty, they often contain high levels of salt. This hidden salt intake is silently fueling an epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially heart disease.  To address this growing crisis, the paper emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive national salt reduction strategy and the mandatory introduction of Front-of-Pack (FoP) labeling on food products. Such easy-to-understand labeling on food packaging would help consumers identify harmful levels of salt, sugar, and fat and make healthier food choices. Prof Sohel  remarked that salt is not just a taste enhancer—when consumed in excess, it becomes a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other NCDs. He advocated for incorporating lessons on the dangers of excessive salt intake into the national curriculum to promote healthy eating habits from childhood. Mustaq Hasan Md. Iftekhar, founding chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, stated that most processed foods contain high salt levels, but the lack of understandable labeling means consumers are unaware. He stressed the importance of mandatory front-of-pack labeling and accurate nutrition information on packaging, along with regular oversight by relevant authorities. Professor Syed Zakir Hossain, line director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control Program of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said that the government is committed to preventing NCDs and has a coordinated action plan in place. He noted that the NCD Control Program has already initiated work on developing a national salt reduction strategy, expressing hope for its prompt implementation. Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, pointed out that although current packaging laws require disclosure of salt, sugar, and fat content, many companies either fail to comply or present the information in unreadable formats. To protect public health, the authority is now revising labeling laws to introduce a user-friendly front-of-pack labeling system. The event was also attended by PM-1 of the NCD Control Branch Dr. Nurul Islam, Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, general secretary of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Dr. Azmeri Sharmin, deputy program manager of the National Nutrition Services, along with representatives from various government and non-government organizations.      

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday expressed optimism about bringing significant changes to Bangladesh’s health sector with the combined efforts of all involved in delivering healthcare services to better serve the people. "No need to look back. This is a big opportunity for those who are involved in providing healthcare services. A little more attention and dedication from each one of you can bring a massive change," he said, explaining how at least 25 percent improvement is possible within the existing structure with sincere efforts. Prof Yunus was addressing a conference of district civil surgeons at Shapla Hall in Chief Adviser's Office as the chief guest. The Chief Adviser, who inaugurated the conference, said people may either get inspired or frustrated by seeing their (people in the health sector) efforts towards health services. He, however, assured of addressing the requirements in the health sector but laid emphasis on ensuring better efforts from each person involved in the sector which is absolutely possible if due attention is given. "We must ask ourselves, why can't we do that? I think if we have that mindset, changes are possible," Prof Yunus said. Prof Yunus issues five directives for quick capital market reforms Calling the present moment a "window of opportunity," Prof Yunus noted that global eyes are on Bangladesh, and encouraged all health professionals to seize the moment to better serve the nation. He also referred to the Health Sector Reform Commission’s recently submitted report, which includes a set of recommendations aimed at systemic improvements. Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum also spoke at the event, sharing her observations from surprise visits to various hospitals. She, in some cases, observed a lack of discipline and accountability. "Without addressing these issues, we cannot expect meaningful success." The Health Adviser stressed the importance of collaboration between government and non-government organizations to improve healthcare delivery. Echoing Prof Yunus’ ethos, she added, "Nothing is impossible. Turning the impossible into possible is your responsibility." CA Prof Yunus seeks quick, coordinated actions for LDC graduation  

A heatstroke centre has been opened under the supervision of Dhaka North City Corporation at its Dedicated Covid Hospital in Mohakhali to treat patients suffering from heat stroke in the current heat wave. "Necessary medical services will be provided free of cost to patients suffering from heat-related illnesses at this centre," DNCC said in a press release on Sunday. Besides, the DNCC Administrator has instructed the DNCC Regional Executive Officers to keep the main rooms and ablution rooms of the mosque open to the public, ensuring security from 11 am to Maghrib prayers through the Mosque Committee to combat the ongoing severe heat wave, added the press release. The Health Department will confirm this directive through a letter on the next working day after contacting the Islamic Foundation. This urgent public service of Dhaka North City Corporation has been included in the National Emergency Service (National Emergency Service) 999. Residents of North City Corporation affected by heat stroke can contact 999 to get detailed information.

Fourty seven more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 2,972 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: one in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 29 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), two in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), eight in Dhaka North City Corporation and seven in Dhaka South City Corporation. The number of deaths remained at 21, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 243 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Dengue: 22 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.      

Twenty two more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 2,925 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: three in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), two in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC), one in Sylhet Division (Out of CC), seven in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), four in Dhaka North City Corporation and five in Dhaka South City Corporation.  Dengue: 49 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs The number of deaths remained at 21, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 219 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.      

Covid-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness (ERPP) Project staff have demanded their job be made permanent and early payment of  their dues. They made the demand at a press conference organised at the National Press Club on Thursday. The speakers said that 1,004 people working under the Covid-19 ERPP Project to control the coronavirus are living a subhuman life as they have not received their salaries for the past 4 months. On April 28, the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a letter to the Directorate General of Health Services to send the attendance sheets of those working from January 1 to March 30 through the heads of their respective institutions in order to pay the salaries. Later, on January 4, the Planning and Research Office of the Directorate General of Health Services, through the project director, sought the attendance information of the staff from January to March. Being informed, all staff under ERPP submitted the attendance information for three months (January to March) to the Directorate General of Health Services and the project office through their respective heads of institutions. But on May 5, the Project Implementation Branch-1 of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed them that they are considered absent from January 1 and they will not be entitled to any salary. Despite being regularly present at work and sending the attendance information for three months , 1004 skilled manpower of the ERPP project are left disoriented by such a decision of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.' The speakers said, considering the overall aspect, we call upon the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to pay the due salaries of 1,004 personnel of the COVID-19 ERPP project. They also urged to extend the contracts, for the smooth operation of the PCR Lab, Modern Microbiology Lab, ICU and Epidemiological Unit services established under the project. Since 2020, under the ERPP project, they have been playing a leading role in combating the coronavirus.

The Health Sector Reform Commission on Monday unveiled its report recommending the inclusion of primary healthcare as a basic right in the constitution, providing free primary healthcare, allocation of 15 percent of the national budget for the health sector and formation of a permanent health commission. The commission also recommended formation of the Bangladesh Health Service, recruitment of primary care physicians by establishing primary healthcare centres in rural and urban areas, free supply of essential drugs at the primary level and at subsidised prices in other cases, and shutting down substandard medical education institutes. The report was unveiled at a press conference at Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Chief of the 12-member Health Sector Reform Commission national professor Dr AK Azad Khan delivered the introductory speech, while commission member Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain unveiled the report. The reform report proposed an independent and permanent ‘Bangladesh Health Commission’ should be formed to ensure a transparent, accountable and effective health system in the country. The report said Bangladesh Health Service should be formed to transform the health cadre into a separate autonomous cadre like the judicial cadre, merging the BCS family planning and medical (technological) officers under the proposed Bangladesh Health Service, and formation of a separate public service commission (health). About the primary healthcare centres, the Commission in its report proposed that the primary centres should be established, merging Union healthcare sub-centre and family planning cetre at union level in rural areas. And such healthcare centres should be established at ward-level in urban areas as well. The commission recommended that a structural referral system be made mandatory in necessary cases so that the patients would be able to receive the right services at the right time and the flow of patients to higher institutes would decline. It said an international standard regional referral hospital will have to be developed in every division which would act as a specialized service center. In this case, the referral hospital can be developed with PPP or foreign investment, it added. The reform commission proposed that the secondary health and specialised (tertiary) healthcare services should be introduced in district-level and upazila-level in phases to ease public access to the medical treatments and thus reduce the flow of patients to medical colleges and national institutes. It suggested development of a digital complaint disposal platform to settle complaints from the service recipients. The legal authority of BMDC, BNMC, Bangladesh Pharmacy Council and Allied Health Professional Council should be made effective and none should be arrested on charge of professional negligence without permission from the concerned council. 53 more dengue cases reported in 24 hours The councils will have to complete an investigation and make a decision regarding complaints within 90 days, said the report. The report also said a trained special unit named ‘medical police’ will have to be formed to resist violence in the hospitals and clinics.   According the report of a survey conducted by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics on 8,256 adult people in eight divisions, 97 percent people opined for providing free primary healthcare and even 92 percent opined for establishment of ward-level primary healthcare centres in the urban areas like the rural areas, said Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain. Some 97 percent people opined for fixation of drug prices, 96 percent for fixation of disease diagnostic test prices and prescription fees of the physicians, and 95 percent for fixation of surgery fees, as per the survey findings. The survey report showed that 68 percent of people opined that antibiotic drugs should not be sold without the prescription of an MBBS doctor. The Health Sector Reform Commission in its report, recommended fixation of the prices for all services of the private hospitals and diagnosis centres. It also proposed that physicians should prescribe 25 percent drugs writing their generic names right now and 100 percent within the five years. The commission recommended that influencing the physicians by providing them with samples of medicines and gifts should completely be prohibited. Rather pharmaceutical companies can send information about their products to the doctors through email or postal services. Representatives of the pharmaceutical companies cannot carry out daily product promotion through direct meetings with doctors, it said. Prof Yunus orders quick action on implementable health sector reform proposals About medical education, the reform commission proposed that the existing medical colleges and universities and the seats of these institutions should be restructured and rearranged in line with the standards set by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Besides, the quality-less medical institutes should be shut down by transferring their students to the recognised institutes, said the commission. The report proposed allocation of at least 1 percent of the national budget for health research now and gradual increment of this allocation in future. The Commission suggested reviewing the existing health sector-related laws and making these time befitting ones as well as enactment of a number of laws by promulgating ordinances during this interim government in a bid to ensure protection of patients, financial allocation, accountability and emergency preparedness. The new laws that were suggested are primary healthcare law, Bangladesh Health Commission law, Bangladesh Health Service Law, Health Protection Law, Fixation of Drug Prices and Rights to Access Law, Allowed Health Professional Council Law and Bangladesh Medical Research Law. Reform Commission Chief Dr AK Azad Khan said the capacity of the country’s health sector will have to be enhanced and confidence in local treatment will be created to discourage the patients who go abroad to receive treatment. “It will have to increase capacity and create confidence,” he said, replying to a question. Other members of the commission Dr Abu Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Prof Dr Liaquat Ali, Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Prof Dr Syed Atiqul Haque, Prof Dr Sayera Akther, MM Reza, Dr Azharul Islam, Dr Ahmed Ahsanur Rahman and Omair Afif were present. Earlier, at 11:00am, the Reform Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. On 17 November 2024, the Health Reform Commission was formed with National Professor and President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh Professor Dr AK Azad Khan as its head.

The Health Reform Commission on Monday submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. CA’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad said the Health Reform Commission formally handed over its report to Professor Muhammad Yunus at 11:00 am. The 11-member Health Reform Commission was formed on 17 November 2024, with National Professor and President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh Professor Dr AK Azad Khan as its head. Bangladesh Weather: Daytime heat to intensify nationwide  The commission includes renowned physicians, public health experts, former civil servants and a student representative.