Dhaka: Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain emphasized on Tuesday that ensuring advanced hepatitis B treatment within Bangladesh could significantly reduce the number of patients traveling abroad for medical care and subsequently lower associated costs. The minister highlighted this during an event organized by the Gastroenterology Society of Bangladesh at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in observance of World Hepatitis Day.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr Zahid stressed the necessity for the country’s healthcare system to adopt modern technology and international expertise to progress effectively. He noted that a considerable portion of Bangladesh’s population is unknowingly affected by fatty liver disease, a condition exacerbated by excessive carbohydrate consumption. The minister urged stakeholders to enhance public awareness regarding this health issue.

Highlighting a significant development, Minister Zahid mentioned the appointment of Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson, an Emeritus Professor of Hepatology from Imperial College London, to the Department of Hepatology at BMU. This move, he stated, is part of a broader strategy to involve foreign and regional experts in evaluating medical students against international and regional standards, thereby improving the quality of medical education. He also encouraged other medical colleges to adopt similar forward-thinking initiatives.

During the event, members of the Gastroenterology Society of Bangladesh proposed making hepatitis B screening mandatory for all pregnant women. Minister Zahid acknowledged the importance of this demand and assured his full support in its implementation. The keynote paper at the event was presented by Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson, further enriching the discussions with his expertise.