Bangladesh set for full-fledged liver transplants next year, Muhit tells JS

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare M A Muhit yesterday (6 September) expressed hope that the full-fledged liver transplant will be possible in Bangladesh from next year.

The state minister said this while responding to an emergency public notice raised by BNP lawmaker Rasheda Begum Hira (Women seat-3) under rules 71 of the rules of procedure at the Jatiya Sangsad here with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

“We hope that the full-fledged liver transplant would be possible in the country from the end of the year or maximum from the beginning of the next year,” the state minister told the parliament.

“The country will need two more months for preparing the necessary manpower and full-fledged establishment. This will allow patients to get treated within the country, reducing both cost and suffering,” he said.

According to the health ministry, liver transplants in Bangladesh could cost around Tk 30 lakh, compared to Tk 70 lakh to Tk 1 crore abroad.

The government said it has taken steps to establish a sustainable, full-fledged liver transplant facility in Bangladesh, with essential equipment worth Tk 39 crore procured for the National Gastroliver Institute & Hospital. Five types of equipment have already arrived, while the remaining 10 are expected this month.