Staff Correspondent:
DHAKA, Nov 14 (BDReports24) — Medical specialists and health advocates on World Diabetes Day called on the government to urgently establish a dedicated National Institute of Endocrinology to strengthen diabetes management, specialized research, and prevention strategies across Bangladesh.
Addressing a discussion organized to mark the day, senior physicians highlighted that Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp rise in endocrine and metabolic disorders, with millions currently living with diagnosed and unmanaged diabetes. They emphasized that a specialized tertiary institute would serve as a central facility for advanced clinical care, post-graduate medical training, and national epidemiological studies to curb the growing public health challenge.
Health experts noted that despite the expanding burden of diabetes, specialized endocrinology treatment remains largely concentrated in select urban medical facilities. They pointed out that thousands of patients in rural and sub-district areas lack timely access to specialized doctors, leading to late diagnoses and severe complications such as kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, and vision impairment.
To address these systemic gs, doctors urged policymakers to integrate regular diabetes screening into primary healthcare centers, establish endocrinology units in all public medical college hospitals, and ensure affordable access to essential medications, including insulin. They stressed that public awareness campaigns promoting active lifestyles and balanced nutrition must be prioritized alongside clinical infrastructure development.
