DHAKA, Dec 9, 2021 (BSS) - Experts at a scientific seminar today called for raising awareness on transplantations of kidneys from brain-death organ donors.

    They made the remarks at the 17th scientific conference of Kidney Foundation at Mirpur here.

    Former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor addressed the function as the chief guest with Kidney Foundation founding President Prof Harun-or-Rashid in the chair.

    Bangladesh Diabetic Association President and Bangladesh University of Health Science Board of Trustees Chairman and National Professor AK Azad spoke on the occasion as the special guest while Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed joined the function virtually.

    The speakers said there is a tradition of kidney donation from brain-death bodies in the developed countries. Many people die in Bangladesh due to kidney related complications but if kidneys can be collected from this way, many kidney patients could remain alive through kidney transplantation, they mentioned.

   Asaduzzaman Noor said kidney ailments and the number of kidney damaged patients are increasing gradually in the country. If both kidneys of a person are damaged, the patient has to receive dialysis or kidney transplantations, he said.

    Mentioning that there are two types of treatment in Bangladesh, he said these treatments are very costly which are beyond affordability of general people.

    Some non-profit organizations like Kidney Foundation are providing the treatment at reduced cost, he said.

    He urged other medical institutions to come forward in providing such treatment in the greater public health interest.