Dhaka: The Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society (BGS) announced its commitment to improving specialized medical services in the field of gastroenterology and reducing the trend of patients traveling abroad for treatment of complex diseases. This announcement was made during the installation ceremony of the newly elected BGS committee held at a hotel today, as per a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BGS leaders highlighted that approximately 2.6 percent of the Bangladeshi population is affected by liver cirrhosis, while around 7 percent are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Additionally, a significant number of patients are awaiting liver transplantation. They emphasized that a substantial portion of hospital outpatients, about 25 percent, seek treatment for liver and digestive system issues daily.
The BGS announced its intention to take necessary steps and plans to establish liver transplantation medical services within Bangladesh and aims to lead these efforts with governmental support. The installation ceremony was attended by National Professor Dr. AK Azad Khan as the chief guest, with Professor Dr. MT Rahman as a special guest. Key BGS leaders, including President Professor Dr. AQM Mohsen, Vice Presidents Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Arfin and Dr. ASM A Raihan, and Secretary General Professor Dewan Saifuddin Ahmed, were also present. The new BGS committee was elected on December 28 of the previous year.