Current Situation in Bangladesh
The cancer situation in Bangladesh is extremely alarming, which is evident from some basic facts and figures. According to conservative estimate, presently there are over 1 million registered cancer patients in Bangladesh. Every year another additional 200,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. More than 50% of the affected peoples lives are slowly but surely being snuffed out due to the cancer not being diagnosed on time and due to lack of proper treatment.
In Bangladesh there is only one government run cancer hospital named National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka. This Hospital can accommodate only 50 patients in its in-house facilities. It could also cover the Chemotherapy to 60 more patients on an out patient basis. There are two other cancer hospitals in the private sector-the Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital and Delta Oncology Center. These hospitals provide diagnostic facilities and treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and re-constructive surgery. Needless to say, with thousands of patients requiring treatment, counseling and rehabilitation, these hospitals along with their facilities are nothing but drops in the ocean.
It is a well-known fact that inadequacy of treatment combined with preferential access to health services is the main reason why almost 35% of our cancer patients go to the neighbouring countries for their treatment. Hence the necessity for building up many more centres for the treatment of cancer patients in the shortest possible time can not be over emphasised.
Child cancer is greater curse in the socio-economic perspective of the country. More often than not, it destroys a family both socially and economically. Doctors strongly believe that with early and accurate diagnosis followed by proper treatment, 75% to 85% children could be completely cured. It is therefore imperative that all resources available within and outside the country be geared to the fullest to meet the challenge posed to the whole nation by the dreadful disease, cancer.
