RANGPUR, May 23, 2023 (BSS) - The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula-2023 was observed at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RpMCH) today with a call to eliminate the curable obstetric fistula disease from the country by 2030 next.

The day was observed with the theme '"20 years on - progress but not enough! Act now to end fistulas by 2030!"

LAMB Hospital observed the day under the UNFPA Bangladesh funded Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) project with technical assistance of the Directorate General of Health Services.
 
The Day was also observed at Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Office of the Divisional Director (Health), Rangpur division, LAMB Hospital in Parbatipur of Dinajpur and 14 district level general hospitals of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.
 
In Rangpur, Director of RpMCH Dr Mohammad Yunus Ali and Vice Principal of Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) Professor Dr. Md. Mahfuzer Rahman jointly led a rally with participation of physicians, nurses, medical students and employees.
 
Marking the day, fistula outdoor services were launched at the Department of Urology of RpMCH.

Later, a discussion was arranged at the auditorium of the Department of Urology at RpMC with its Vice Principal Professor Dr. Md. Mahfuzer Rahman in the chair.

Director of RpMCH Dr Mohammad Yunus Ali attended the event as the chief guest.

Registrar of the Department of Urology of RpMCH Dr Md Al Mamun delivered a presentation on fistula management narrating the causes behind the intolerable but preventable disease and available cost-free treatment facilities in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.

"Obstetric fistula is a devastating injury in which an abnormal opening forms between a woman's bladder and vagina, resulting in urinary incontinence, chronic health complexities, depression and social isolation," he said.

He also narrated the services being provided to fistula patients by LAMB Hospital, different medical college hospitals, district and upazila level hospitals, union level health service providing facilities in identifying and referral of fistula patients for treatments.

Head of Department of Urology of RpMCH Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam Sugom, its Head of the Department of Anesthesia Dr Md Sadrul Islam Talukder, Program Director of LAMB Hospital Litan Bala took part in the discussion.
 
Program Manager of LAMB FRRei Project Mahatab Liton and its Deputy Project Manager Dr. Tahmina Khatun Sonia attended the event.

The participating physicians expressed their commitments to complement each other and work towards creating a fistula-free Bangladesh.

The chief guest put emphasis on creating social awareness to stop child marriage, child pregnancy and ensure safe institutional deliveries of pregnant mothers and quality and safe surgeries to eliminate obstetric fistula from the country by 2030 next.