Photo: BSS

GAIBANDHA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Gobindaganj upazila of the district has been declared an obstetric fistula-free upazila today following coordinated efforts by health authorities, volunteers and partner organisations.
 
The declaration was made at a function held at noon at the conference room of the Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex. The programme was organised by the Upazila Health and Family Planning Office in cooperation with LAMB Hospital and with support from UNFPA Bangladesh.
 
Deputy Director of the Family Planning Department Md. Tariqul Islam attended the event as the chief guest, while UNFPA Field Officer Dr. Shaheen Aktar was present as the special guest. The programme was chaired by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Masudar Rahman.
 
Among others, Upazila Family Planning Officer Abdul Zalil and Medical Officer of the Civil Surgeon’s Office Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique addressed the function. District Facilitator of LAMB Hospital Md. Shariful Islam presented an overview of the obstetric fistula situation in the district.
 
In his speech, the chief guest thanked field-level staff of the health and family planning departments, volunteers, public representatives and members of the media for their coordinated efforts in making the upazila free from obstetric fistula.
 
 
Dr. Shaheen Aktar said that although Gobindaganj has been declared fistula-free, the search campaign to identify any remaining patients and bring them under treatment would continue in the coming days.
 
Dr. Masudar Rahman said that a total of 40 obstetric fistula patients had been identified in the upazila. Of them, 38 have fully recovered following repair surgeries, while two patients are currently undergoing treatment. He also stressed the importance of institutional delivery instead of home delivery to prevent obstetric fistula, which is caused by prolonged and obstructed labour without timely and quality medical care.