Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain has emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening preventive measures to combat heart disease in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a two-day international scientific conference titled BD Intervention 2026 organised by the Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI) at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session, Zahid Hossain said that heart disease remains one of the major public health challenges in Bangladesh, said a PID handout.
“The government is giving top priority to the development of the healthcare sector and aims to ensure world-class cardiac care in remote areas through modern technology and skilled specialists under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” said the minister.
The minister also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among cardiologists to improve healthcare services for women and children suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof. Dr. Pravat Chandra Biswas said the conference is helping Bangladeshi physicians connect with the latest global research and technology which will significantly enhance the quality of cardiac care in the country.
Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Prof. Dr. Nazmul Hossain, described training initiatives such as training villages and fellowship courses as timely steps toward developing the next generation of interventional cardiologists in Bangladesh.
BSCI President Prof. Dr. Khalequzzaman said the main goal of the conference is to introduce Bangladeshi interventional cardiologists to global advancements in cardiovascular technology, adding that joint efforts are essential to ensure world-class treatment for patients in the country.
The conference features live case transmissions from Dhaka and China, lectures from internationally renowned cardiologists, hands-on training sessions, fellowship courses, and case competitions. Discussions cover coronary, peripheral, and structural heart diseases.
More than 1,100 cardiology experts from home and abroad are participating in the mega event, which organisers believe will have a long-term positive impact on the advancement of heart disease treatment in Bangladesh.