Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 21, 2026 (BSS) – For the first time in the northern region, the National Heart Foundation, Rajshahi, has launched a special initiative to screen and treat children with congenital heart disease.

As part of the initiative, free screening and medical services will be provided at the foundation from Wednesday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm each day.

A team of specialist doctors from China, along with specialists from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital (NICVD), is participating in the programme.

The information was announced at a press conference held at the National Heart Foundation, Rajshahi, at Bakir Mor in the city today.

Speaking at the press conference, National Heart Foundation, Rajshahi President Abdul Mannan said screening and necessary medical services for congenital heart disease would be provided to children aged between 3 and 18 years during the three-day programme.

Registration was conducted from July 10 to 19, during which 2,800 children from 46 educational institutions across the Rajshahi region registered for the programme.

He said all examinations and medical services would be provided free of charge.

Children diagnosed with congenital heart disease would receive immediate treatment from specialist doctors according to the type and severity of their condition, he said.

If necessary, patients would be referred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital in Dhaka for advanced treatment. In special cases, treatment could also be arranged in China.

A six-member expert team from Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has arrived in Rajshahi to participate in the programme.

In addition, an eight-member specialist team from the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at NICVD will also provide medical services.

The press conference was told that the primary objective of the initiative is to ensure the early detection of congenital heart disease in children and provide timely treatment.

The initiative is expected to help ensure normal growth and development in affected children while reducing the risk of heart failure, serious complications and premature death.

Among others present at the press conference were National Heart Foundation, Rajshahi General Secretary Khondaker Mizanur Rahman Khokon, Vice-President Hasan Ali, Director and Chief Consultant Prof Dr Rais Uddin Mondal, Director (Administration and Finance) Prof Habibur Rahman, Joint Secretary Md Liakat Ali, Executive Member Dr Wasim Hossain, Enamul Haque, and Publicity and Public Relations Secretary Imtiaz Ahmed Shamsul Huda.