Experts call for expanded transplant facilities as chronic diseases rise

Leading medical experts at an international scientific conference in Dhaka on Sunday urged for the rapid expansion of specialised healthcare facilities, including liver and kidney transplants, to combat a rising tide of chronic diseases in Bangladesh and across the globe. 

Speakers at the event emphasised the urgent need to make advanced treatments—such as kidney, liver, orthopedic, and bone marrow transplants, as well as cardiac care—both world-class and affordable for the growing number of patients, said a press release.

"We are seeing a steady increase in the number of patients suffering from liver and kidney complications over time," said renowned Nepali urologist Dr. Ravi Kiran Gautam of Nepal Medicity Hospital. "All these patients deserve the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives. It is critical that these specialised transplant and cardiac services are made accessible."

Dr. Gautam noted that Nepal Medicity Hospital has successfully developed strong capabilities in these specific medical treatments. 

Dr. Amit Tomar, CEO of Nepal Medicity Hospital, also highlighted the potential for regional medical collaboration, citing Nepal’s climate and medical infrastructure as factors that are helping patients recover quickly. 

Dr. Moazzem Hossain, Chairman of Bangladesh East West Medical College Hospital, welcomed the push for diversified treatment options, noting that Bangladeshi patients stand to benefit significantly from such cross-border medical initiatives. 

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghansham Bhandari, attended the conference as a special guest. 

The event also drew a host of prominent medical professionals from Bangladesh, including Brigadier General Professor Dr. Anwarul Kabir, Head of the Endocrinology Department at CMH; eminent nephrologist Dr. Nabiul Hasan; Dr. Bijoy G. Rajbangshi; Dr. Raj Rana; and Manjurul Karim.