RAJSHAHI, Dec 18, 2022 (BSS)- Integrated efforts of all the government, non-government and other volunteer organizations concerned can be the crucial means of ending obstetric fistula.

Scores of women, particularly the rural and low-incoming ones, are suffering from the chronic disease due to lack of knowledge about its treatment rehabilitation facilities.

It's a matter of hope that many of the organisations concerned are providing need-based supports related to treatment and rehabilitation free of cost to the patients as the government has set the target of freeing the country from obstetric fistula by 2030.

Health experts and development activists made the observation while addressing a divisional meeting titled 'End Obstetric Fistula in Bangladesh (Progress and Highlights- 2022' held at the conference hall of Divisional Director of Health Services in Rajshahi today.

Director of Health Services organized the meeting supported by Directorate General of Health Services and LAMB-UNFPA FRRei Project with participation of around 30 district and upazila health officials and others concerned.

Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Deputy Director Dr Anwarul Kabir and Divisional Director of the Department of Social Services Syed Sayeed Mustaque Hassan spoke as special guests.

Project Manager Mahatab Uddin Liton and Deputy Project Manager Dr Tahmina Khatun gave an overview of their activities in terms of extending treatment and rehabilitation free of cost to the patients suffering from obstetric fistula.

Dr Tahmina 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, the problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance and its occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross inequities

Civil Surgeons Dr Rampoda Roy and Dr Shafiul Azam and Medical Officer Dr Bayezid Ul Islam disseminated their expertise on the issue. District Coordinator Ruhul Amin Mridha moderated the discussion.

Experts unanimously mentioned that there is no way but to reach the messages about the cost-free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to the patients suffering from the chronic disease in different parts of the region, particularly in its remote and hard-to-reach areas.

The meeting was told that 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.

In his remarks, Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder mentioned that obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating pregnancy-related morbidity, mostly affecting women from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds

But at present, obstetric fistula patients are getting back to their normal lives thanks to the availability of various rehabilitation services in Rajshahi.