Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin spoke at a programme organised on the occasion of 'International Thalassemia Day 2025' at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, May 7, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin today (Wednessday) laid emphasis on taking an action plan to bring the number of thalassemia patients in Bangladesh down to zero within the next 10 years.

"Each thalassemia patient may require up to Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 for treatment. The disease imposes a high economic burden. Even if only one percent of the country's 10 to 11 percent thalassemia carriers develop the disease, the national treatment cost could soar to Tk 2,000 to 10,000 crore. We can reduce this expenditure through public awareness," Bashir said.

The adviser said this while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised on the occasion of 'International Thalassemia Day 2025' at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in the city, said a press release.

Emphasising the importance of awareness, Bashir said the disease is largely preventable through proper screening and public education.

To end this disease, he suggested training marriage registrars, engaging religious leaders and school teachers in awareness campaigns and building public consensus on blood screening before marriage.

Being a carrier is not a problem in itself as carriers can lead normal lives, he said, adding the danger arises only when two carriers marry.

The adviser inaugurated a thalassemia awareness campaign by undergoing a blood test himself, urging others to do the same.

Chairman of the Management Board of Bangladesh Shisu Hospital and Institute Professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque presided over the event while former Head of the Department of Pediatric Medicine of Bangladesh Shisu Hospital and Institute Professor Dr Md Selimuzzaman was the special guest.

At the programme, Director of Bangladesh Shisu Hospital and Institute Professor Dr Md Mahbubul Haque delivered the welcome speech.