Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 11, 2026 (BSS) - Health experts have stressed the need to strengthen the country's healthcare system to better manage and treat methanol poisoning, despite its relatively low incidence.

They warned that many affected individuals die or suffer permanent disability after consuming adulterated liquor due to delayed treatment, underscoring the need for improved medical preparedness, especially at the grassroots level along with greater public awareness.

The observations came at a workshop titled "Strengthening the Healthcare System to Combat Methanol Poisoning and Alcohol-Related Poisoning" held at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, organized with support from the Toxicology Society of Bangladesh.

Speakers said a research programme is currently underway under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), involving patients from medical college hospitals in Chattogram, Rajshahi and Kushtia. So far, 35 patients have been included, though actual numbers are believed to be higher due to stigma and legal concerns.

Former DGHS Director General M A Faiz said proper knowledge of treatment is essential, even if cases are relatively few. He noted that managing such poisoning cases remains difficult at the upazila level and that timely treatment can save lives.

Experts at the workshop stressed the need for improved detection, adequate medical equipment, specialized training for doctors and stronger monitoring to prevent the production and sale of adulterated liquor.

They also highlighted that strengthening healthcare services at both major hospitals and upazila-level facilities is crucial to reducing deaths and complications from methanol poisoning.

Bangladesh Medical University Associate Professor Dr. Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury presented the keynote paper on methanol poisoning.

Opinions on the issue were given by Rajshahi Medical College Principal Professor Dr. Khandaker Faysal Alam and Associate Professor of the Medicine Department Dr. Abu Shahin.
 
Rajshahi Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General P K M Masud-Ul-Islam, Vice Principal Professor Dr. Md. Zahirul Haque, Rajshahi Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Hasan, Additional Superintendent of Police Sabina Yasmin, Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control, Rajshahi, Mehedi Hasan, along with Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers, doctors, and researchers from three districts, among others, were present at the workshop.