BSS, Rajshahi :
Health experts at a meeting unequivocally called for identifying the patients suffering from obstetric fistula for their recovery and rehabilitation as many of the government and non-government organizations are working in this field.Field level government officials and employees should come forward and work together for the sake of bringing the patients under the treatment and rehabilitation supports to make sure their normal life from long-lasting sufferings.
The experts came up with the observation while addressing an advocacy meeting on fistula patients identification organized by Divisional Directorate of Health Services held at its office conference hall in Rajshahi city Wednesday.
UNFPA Bangladesh and Lamb Hospital supported the meeting under the FRRei project titled “Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh” sensitizing the field level government officials and workers on how to eradicate the plights of the patients.
Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder, Divisional Director of the Department of Social Services Sarwar Jahan, Civil Surgeon Dr Quiume Talukder, Assistant Director of the Health Services Dr Nazma Akter and Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shobnom Shirin addressed the meeting as resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue and sought whole-hearted cooperation of the attending government officials in this regard.
During his concept paper presentation, Mahatab Liton, Manager of the project, gave an illustration about the disease along with its causes, preventive and curative measures.
He told the meeting that the patients suffering from obstetric fistula are getting the support of treatment and rehabilitation free of cost as many of the government and non-government organizations concerned are providing the support setting the target of freeing the country from obstetric fistula by 2030.
Utmost emphasis should be given on reaching the messages about the cost-free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to the patients in different parts of the region, particularly in the remote and hard-to-reach areas, so that they could be brought under the existing privileges.
He said the LAMB Hospital is implementing need-based programmes including case Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.
In his remarks, Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder said obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and bladder and or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.
It leaves women with incontinence problems, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.
However, this problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance and its occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross inequities.
So, concerted efforts of all authorities concerned, including the media, has become crucial to mitigate the problem.
