Photo: BSS

 
KURIGRAM, May 25, 2025 (BSS) - The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula-2025 was observed here today with a call to identify obstetric fistula patients and bring them under free treatment to eliminate the disease in the country.
 
LAMB Hospital under the UNFPA-assisted Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) project with Kurigram Civil Surgeon's Office organised various programs marking the day. 
 
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh and Global Affairs of Canada extended technical support to celebrate the day with the theme 'Let's Ensure the Health Rights of Women with Fistulas, Build a Country Free of Obstetric Fistula'. 

Kurigram Civil Surgeon Dr Swapan Kumar Biswas inaugurated the photo exhibition on the obstetric fistula program in the morning as the chief guest. 
 
Later, a colorful rally with participation of doctors, nurses and midwives started from the Kurigram General Hospital premises and circled the main roads of the district town before ending at the Civil Surgeon's Office premises 
 
Later, Program Analyst of UNFPA Bangladesh Md Shamsuzzaman, Reproductive Health Services Coordinator of Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) Dr Sumashree Roy and LAMB project manager Mahatab Liton discussed on obstetric fistula.
 
Mahatab Liton discussed the causes behind the intolerable but preventable obstetric fistula disease, available cost-free treatment facilities and ongoing activities for rehabilitation of obstetric fistula patients. 
 
"A month-long campaign to identify fistula patients is underway. After identifying fistula patients, they will be provided with medical services free of cost," he said. 
 
He discussed the services being provided to fistula patients by LAMB Hospital and other government health services providing facilities in identifying and referral of fistula patients for treatments.
 
Dr Sumashree Roy briefly narrated the causes of obstetric fistula and the available cost-free treatment of fistula patients in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions. 
 
The Civil Surgeon emphasized on creating social awareness to stop child marriage, child pregnancy and ensure safe institutional delivery of pregnant mothers and quality and safe surgery to eliminate obstetric fistula in the country.