Muhit for cardiac ambulance network, ambulance pool to reduce heart disease deaths

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit today(8 October) called for initially launching a cardiac ambulance network and an ambulance pool in Dhaka and adjoining districts to reduce the death rate from heart disease.

The ‘golden hour’ is extremely important for heart patients. To ensure that patients reach hospitals quickly, a cardiac ambulance network can initially be launched through private initiative covering Dhaka and at least five neighbouring districts, he said. 

After one year, an initiative could be taken to establish an ambulance pool across the country by analysing the data and information obtained from the pilot programme, the state minister noted.
 
Dr Muhit said this while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised at Popular Medical College Hospital in the capital marking World Heart Day and first anniversary of Popular Cath Lab. 

Popular Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Dr Mostafizur Rahman attended the event as the guest of honour.

Noting that the government has pledged in its election manifesto to strengthen emergency ambulance services, Dr MA Muhit said the government is working towards this goal. 

If an integrated and effective ambulance network could be established, patients would be taken to hospitals quickly during emergencies saving lives of many people, he added.

The state minister said doctors need to further improve their communication skills with patients and their relatives alongside ensuring healthcare services according to public expectations.
 
He said the scope for misunderstandings and regrets could be reduced considerably if the situation and treatment procedures are properly explained to patients and their relatives before any treatment or intervention.

Professor Dr AKM Mohiuddin Bhuiyan (Masum) of Popular Medical College and Hospital presided over the event.

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Director General (DG) Professor Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas, Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) DG Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, DGHS Additional DG Professor Dr Foara Tasmim and Prime Minister’s Assistant Personal Physician and cardiologist Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir were present at the programme as special guests.