The government has recently taken a decision to include medicine for hypertension in the drug list of Community Clinic to combat hypertension, which is highly commendable. However, along with the proper implementation of this decision, the necessary budget must be allocated to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines at Community Clinic and Upazila Health Complex to control the growing prevalence and death from hypertension and hypertension-related non-communicable diseases. Speakers highlighted these issues at a workshop for journalists titled “Hypertension Control in Bangladesh” held at the capital’s BMA Bhaban on Wednesday, July 19. The workshop was organized by the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). Twenty-six journalists working in print, television and online media participated in the workshop.
It was informed at the workshop that one in every four adults in Bangladesh is suffering from hypertension. Ensuring the availability of hypertension treatment facilities at the community clinic level can be a cost-effective approach in this regard.
Dr. Md. Quiume Talukder, Line Director (CBHC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) informed at the discussion meeting, “The decision to provide hypertension medicine from Community Clinic will be implemented soon. The prevalence of hypertension will decline across the country once this program sets in motion.”
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, Zahirul Alam, Head of News and Current Affairs, NTV and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA were also present at the event as discussants. The key-note presentation on hypertension control was delivered by Dr Shamim Jubayer, Program Manager, Hypertension Control Program, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute and Sadia Galiba Prova, Project Coordinator, Hypertension Control and Trans Fat Elimination Project, PROGGA.