Photo: BSS

By Enamul Haque Ena

PATUAKHALI, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) - The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) corner at the Baufal Upazila Health Complex has emerged as a new beacon of hope for patients, who are suffering from chronic diseases.   

 Every morning, the health complex becomes crowded with patients—some arriving for their routine check-ups, while others seek immediate attention for long-standing ailments. 

Alongside its regular medical services, the government hospital has introduced a dedicated NCD Corner to provide specialized treatment for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Local residents say that confidence in public healthcare is growing as a result.

Sajni Rani Das, 60, a resident of Baufal municipal area, expressed satisfaction with the service. “I have a service book. I come once a month for a free check-up and get government medicines without cost. I am very happy,” she said. 

Like Sajni, many low-income patients rely on the NCD Corner as a vital support system.

Abdul Khalek, 55, who has been battling diabetes for years, said affordability had long been a challenge. “We are low-income people. Buying medicine from the market was difficult. Now we get medicine regularly from the NCD corner. They even call us to check in—it’s very good,” he said.

Rahima Begum, 48, another patient, shared a similar experience. “My blood pressure used to remain high. Now I routinely measure it here and take my medicine on time. The doctors explain everything clearly. The free service has brought me peace of mind,” she said.

According to officials at the health complex, more than 500 patients have been issued NCD service books, each documenting the patient’s medical history, medications received, and follow-up dates. 

One of the NCD Corner’s most appreciated initiatives is its follow-up phone call service. If a patient misses a scheduled visit, staff members call to remind them. “We don’t just stop after giving medicines,” said an official. “We make sure patients stay on treatment. Many stop coming regularly, which harms their health. The phone calls help bring them back.”

The NCD Corner offers free blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, ECG tests when needed, and free medicines for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes for registered patients. With rising costs of medicine in the market, many low-income individuals find the services indispensable.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, and stroke are becoming increasingly common, experts say. Because these conditions require long-term medical supervision, the NCD Corner is proving to be a lifeline for many.

Doctors emphasize that complications often arise when patients discontinue treatment or neglect follow-up visits. The system of regular reminders and structured monitoring at the NCD Corner helps reduce such risks substantially.

Locals said that the addition of specialized chronic disease services has made the health complex more accessible and dependable than ever before—especially for underprivileged communities. They say government hospitals now symbolize not only treatment but also responsible, patient-centered care.

Health complex authorities have announced plans to expand services further. Future initiatives may include mental health support, dietary consultations, and routine fitness monitoring.

Bauphal Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Abdur Rouf said, “We are trying to ensure regular and quality services for patients who are suffering from choric diseases through the NCD Corner.

 To prevent patients from forgetting their medication schedules, we remind them of their follow-up dates by phone. More than 500 service books have already been distributed. Our goal is to bring every patient in Bauphal under regular medical care and reduce their complications.”