Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Nov 26, 2025 (BSS) – Experts at a workshop today stressed the need to enhance the surgical skills of gynecologist and obstetric surgeons to ensure safe cesarean surgeries to prevent the increasing number of new iatrogenic fistula cases.
 
The Department of Urology of Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RpMCH) organised the workshop titled ‘Diagnosis and fistula screening for government service providers at RpMCH’ at its seminar room in the city.
 
The Director General of Health Services, UNFPA Bangladesh and LAMB Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) Project extended technical support in arranging the workshop.
 
Principal of Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam as the chief guest attended the workshop with Head of the Department of Urology of RpMC Professor Md Shahidul Islam in the chair.
 
Vice-principal of RpMC Professor Dr Md Anwar Hossain, RpMCH Director Brigadier General Dr Ashiqur Rahman and Assistant Professor of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Dr Iffat Ara Tulip spoke as special guests.
 
Moderated by Indoor Medical Officer of the Department of Urology of RpMCH Dr Md Al Mamun, its Assistant Registrar Dr Md Rashedul Islam Ranju delivered a scientific presentation on fistula services at RpMCH.
   
LAMB FRRei Project Manager Mohammad Ali delivered an overview on LAMB activities in eliminating obstetric fistula from Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.
 
He discussed services being provided to fistula patients by LAMB Hospital, different medical college hospitals, district and upazila level hospitals, union level health service providing facilities by identifying and referral of fistula patients for treatments. 
 
District Facilitator of the FRRei project Monju Ara Begum coordinated the programme.
 
Professor Md Shahidul Islam said genital fistula is an abnormal opening in the female genital tract that causes disorderly constant leakage of urine or feces while obstetric fistula is usually caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. 
 
Conversely, iatrogenic fistula is caused unintentionally by surgical inaccuracy during cesarean, urological and other surgeries unrelated to childbirth and in cases of injuries caused through sexual violence, female genital mutilation or accidents.
 
"Seven skilled surgeons from the urology department are conducting fistula surgeries at RpMCH. We plan to conduct 'on-job training' to enhance skills of our gynecologist surgeons so that they can perform safe caesarean surgeries to prevent iatrogenic fistulas," he said. 
       
The chief guest emphasized on creating skilled urologist, gynecologist and obstetric surgeons by providing training to efficiently perform cesarean and urological surgeries to reduce the number of obstetric and iatrogenic fistulas to zero and create a fistula-free Bangladesh by 2030.