1,600 doctors being given special training on dengue treatment: State Minister

To prevent mismanagement in the treatment of dengue patients in the country, 1,600 doctors in 40 districts are being given special training simultaneously. This day-long training has been arranged urgently with the aim of reducing the dengue death rate by ensuring scientific and quality treatment.

State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhtadi inaugurated the programme at Dhaka Medical College on Tuesday, September 22.

In the training titled 'Training of Doctors on Clinical Management of Dengue', expert professors and doctors of the Bangladesh Society of Medicine are serving as trainers. Principals of various medical colleges, civil surgeons and doctor representatives from grassroots level to specialised hospitals have joined the programme in person and virtually.

Speaking at the inauguration, the State Minister for Health said doctors are being trained with the aim that no dengue patient dies due to lack of treatment or management errors. He said the death rate of patients can be reduced further if doctors' skills are increased by following the prescribed standards of clinical management of dengue.

Highlighting the recent situation in the health sector, M A Muhtadi said 63,627 patients have so far been admitted to hospital this dengue season. Of them, 59,083 have recovered and returned home after treatment. Currently, around 4,300 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Despite the pressure of patients and limited facilities, most patients are returning home cured due to the efforts of doctors and health workers.

He said a public health crisis like dengue cannot be tackled through immediate decisions or unplanned initiatives alone. Emphasis is being placed on conducting healthcare activities based on the collection of epidemiological data, scientific analysis and planned management. At the same time, the State Minister also highlighted the need to ensure the professional dignity and social protection of health workers.

It was announced at the event that before the main training programme, around 350 senior doctors were prepared as trainers on the initiative of the Bangladesh Society of Medicine. These trained doctors are now simultaneously training 1,600 doctors in 40 districts of the country on clinical management of dengue.