Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - On the occasion of World Hypertension Day-2026, the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Rajshahi organized several public-oriented programs.

This year's theme for the day is 'Let's control high blood pressure together; defeat the silent killer'.
 
Chief Guest Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid, Divisional Commissioner, inaugurated a rally this morning along with a five-day program offering free ECG, diabetes tests, and medical services.
 
In his speech, the Divisional Commissioner noted that the National Heart Foundation Hospital has already earned a reputation for providing cardiac care to marginalized communities.

He said people of this region will benefit from the five-day free medical service. 

He added that this initiative will also raise public awareness about the dangers of the silent killer, high blood pressure, and what to do about it.
 
Later, a seminar and discussion session was held with Dr. Habibur Rahman, Director (Health), Rajshahi Division, as chief guest and Dr. S I M Raziul Karim, Civil Surgeon, Rajshahi, as special guest.
 
The seminar was presented by Dr. Molla Iftekhar Hossain, Head of the Cardiology Department at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital, and heart specialist Dr. A.S.M. Sayem.
 
Professor Dr. Rois Uddin, Chief Consultant & Director (Medical Services) of the Foundation Hospital, delivered the keynote address. 

At the start of the event, General Secretary of the Foundation Khandaker Mizanur Rahman Khokon gave a welcome speech, expressing thanks and gratitude for the large-scale arrangement. 

The seminar and discussion was presided over by Abdul Mannan, President, Executive Council, National Heart Foundation Rajshahi.
 
In the speeches by the keynote speaker and seminar presenters, it was highlighted that high blood pressure causes heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney damage.

 They explained that high blood pressure and its harmful effects can be prevented by improving lifestyle: replacing high-fat foods with fish and plenty of vegetables, walking 30-40 minutes at least 5 days a week, avoiding excess salt in food, reducing mental stress, and refraining from smoking and drug use.

 At the meeting, Executive Council Vice President-2 Hasen Ali commended everyone for the Foundation's well-organized event.
 
During the seminar, Chief Guest Dr. Habibur Rahman stated that there is no alternative to creating public awareness for the prevention and control of high blood pressure. 

He also advised the Foundation to become more patient-friendly.
 
In his concluding remarks, the President noted that, as in previous years, the Foundation Hospital continues to raise awareness and caution the public about the causes and prevention of high blood pressure through leaflets on Hypertension Day. 

He added that poor patients are being supported with treatment through the hospital's Zakat Fund.

 Professor Md. Habibur Rahman, Director (Administration & Finance), National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Rajshahi, said in his speech that the Foundation Hospital is gradually becoming a trusted center for cardiac care in the greater Rajshahi region and will soon be a hub for treatment.
 
He mentioned that the hospital is working per government directives to provide free or highly affordable treatment to poor and underprivileged families.

 The Foundation Hospital is also planning to provide even more affordable treatment for all classes of people in the near future, which will be implemented soon. 

He sought cooperation from all concerned parties in this regard.
 
The seminar and discussion were moderated by Executive Member Enamul Haque and Foundation Hospital Medical Officer Dr. Khadijatul Kubra.

 On the first day of the five-day free ECG, diabetes test, and medical service program, over 100 patients received treatment.