Health experts and medical professionals at a Bangladesh Pratidin roundtable called for stronger awareness and preventive measures to curb the alarming rise of heart disease in the country.

They emphasised that timely detection, lifestyle changes, and affordable treatment options, including the introduction of health insurance, could save countless lives.

Bangladesh Pratidin organised the discussion titled “Cardiac Treatment: Bangladesh Perspective” at its EWMGL conference room in Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka, ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September.

The session took place with the support of Universal Medical College Hospital, TMSS Medical College and Rafatullah Community Hospital, and Bashundhara Medical City.

Speakers noted that although cardiac treatment facilities have improved, patients often arrive late due to lack of awareness.

They urged the government and private sector to coordinate efforts to bridge treatment gaps and strengthen preventive healthcare.

Several specialists stressed the importance of diet control, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and early screening.

TMSS founder Hosne Ara Begum highlighted the need for a strong referral system, while Universal Medical College Hospital’s Ashish Kumar Chakraborty criticised the practice of charging fees for report viewing and announced a ban on it at his hospital.

Participants also called for a nationwide health insurance scheme to ease treatment costs. Experts from TMSS and Universal Cardiac Hospital underlined that up to 80% of heart disease-related deaths worldwide are preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention.

The session concluded with a pledge to expand preventive measures, health insurance, and awareness campaigns to reduce the growing burden of cardiac disease in Bangladesh.