RANGPUR, Dec 14, 2022 (BSS) - Experts at an advocacy meeting today stressed on ensuring institutional delivery of pregnant mothers, antenatal and postnatal supervision to eliminate obstetric fistula. 

    They viewed this at the event organized by Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) at its Gallery-1 for teachers and students of the institution. 

    Lutheran Aid to Medicine in Bangladesh (LAMB) and UNFPA Bangladesh extended support in arranging the event under the LAMB Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) project. 

    Principal of RpMC Professor Dr. Bimal Chandra Roy presided over the event. 

    Vice Principal of RpMC Professor Dr. Md. Mahfuzer Rahman, Acting Rangpur Divisional Director (Health) Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Director of Rangpur Medical College Hospital Dr. Akhteruzzaman, Head of Department of Urology of RpMCH Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam Sugom, its Head of Department of Anesthesia Dr Md. Sadrul Islam Talukder, Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. Sharmin Sultana, Head of the Department of Community Medicine Dr. Rawshan Alam were present. 

    Past Presidents of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) Professor Dr. Rowshan Ara Begum and Professor Dr. Anowara Begum, its physician Dr. Bilkis Begum and Technical Officer of UNFPA Bangladesh Dr. Animesh Biswas virtually spoke. 

    The experts said the programme for elimination of fistula in Rangpur division is being implemented since 2018 under direct supervision of the Department of Health and technical assistance of UNFPA Bangladesh. 

    There are Fistula Corners in eight District Hospitals of Rangpur division. Fistula patients are being detected by health workers from field level and sent to Fistula Corners for treatment.  

    Advanced treatments are being provided to fistula patients at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RpMCH) and LAMB Hospital in Parbatipur of Dinajpur.  

    After treatment, the poor obstetric fistula patients are being rehabilitated through the Departments of Social Services and Women Affairs to assist them in leading normal life.  

    The experts discussed what to do in case of fistula, how and why it is happening, what is the correct treatment, which institution has its treatment system.  

    In his concluding speech, Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman explained the important role of urologists and gynecologists working together in treating fistula patients.  

    " RpMCH is conducting regular fistula surgery," he said, and called upon all concerned so that not a single fistula patient goes back without treatment from the hospital.