TheInternational Day to End Obstetric Fistula- 2024 was observed in Rangpur and its adjoining districts as elsewhere in the country today with a call to build fistula free Bangladesh by 2030. This year’s theme of the day was ‘ Breaking the Cycle :  Preventing Fistula Worldwide.

Marking the day, Urology department of Rangpur Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) chalked out the elaborate programmes in technical support of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) while LAMB Hospital funded by UNFPA provided the financial support.

In the morning around 11 AM, a discussion meeting on significance of the day was held at the hall room of Urology Department of RMCH.

Professor Dr. Md. Sarwar Jahan, Principal of RMCH addressed the function as the chief guest and Professor Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, vice principal of RMCH, Dr. Mohammad Younus Ali, director of RMCH, Professor Dr. Sharmin Sultana Lucky, Head of the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of RMCH spoke at the event as the special guests.

Presided over by Professor Dr. Md. ShahidulAlam, head of Urology department of RMCH, the function was also addressed among others by Rangpur divisional director, health Dr. ABM Abu Hanif as the resource person.

The health experts in their speeches said prolonged and obstructed labour are the prime causes of developing obstetric fistula. Fistula is available in many countries including Bangladesh of the world, they also said.

Terming obstetric fistula as preventable the health experts said in most cases, obstetric fistula can be repaired surgically.

Principal of RMCH Professor Dr Md. Sarwar Jahan in his speeches said the government led Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been implementing different programmes across the country through DGHS aimed at building fistula free Bangladesh by 2030.

He also urged all concern to do work sincerely to attain the cherished goal of the DGHS with in stipulated time. A large number of health officials and staff, NGO activists, invited persons and journalists attended the program.