Integrated palliative care model can be developed based- on lessons from N’ganj
Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj
A discussion event was held on Tuesday at the NCD Conference Room of DGHS in Mohakhali, Dhaka, to present the lessons learned from the Compassionate Narayanganj Project.
The event, titled "Lessons from Compassionate Narayanganj: Developing an Integrated, Age-Sensitive Supportive Palliative Care Model in Bangladesh," focused on the project's impact and future plans.
The discussion was organized in collaboration with the Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) Program of DGHS, Ayat Education, and BSMMU.
The event's chief guest was Dr. Md. Rizwanur Rahman, Additional Director General (Admin) DGHS. The session was presided over by Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, Program Manager-1, NCDC-DGHS. Prof Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmed, former founding chairman of the Department of Palliative Medicine at BSMMU, was present as a special guest.
At the beginning of the session, Dr. Sajib Roy, Deputy Program Manager, NCDC-DGHS, welcomed all participants. Representatives from the two implementing organizations presented the project's outcomes—Associate Professor Dr. Mostofa Kamal Chowdhury (Adil) from BSMMU and Laila Karim, Program Director of Ayat Education. They highlighted the project’s successes, challenges, and future potential. A video presentation titled *"The Journey of Compassionate Narayanganj" showcased the project's achievements and the integration of palliative care services at the community level.
Prof Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmed shared insights into the current state of palliative care in Bangladesh. Later, a dynamic panel discussion took place featuring prominent experts, including: Prof Dr. A. K. M. Matiur Rahman Bhuiyan (Chairman, Palliative Care Medicine, BSMMU) , Dr. A. F. M. Mushiur Rahman (Civil Surgeon, Narayanganj) Md. Touhidul Imran Chowdhury** (Chief Operating Officer, Ayat Education), Dr. Fahim Arif (Resident Medical Officer, Bandar Upazila Health Complex), Dr. Nafiah Islam** (Medical Officer, Narayanganj City Corporation) And other distinguished guests.
Speakers emphasized the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the development of a well-structured national policy, strategy, and guidelines for palliative care.
In his closing remarks, session chair Dr. Md. Nurul Kabir stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration and capacity-building in the field of palliative care. Laila Karim, on behalf of Ayat Education, expressed gratitude and appreciation to all participants.
