Not only treatment but also extensive awareness needed to protect eye health: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has said that, expanding  medical services is not sufficient  but comprehensive and versatile awareness campaign   is much needed for protecting eye health. He made the remarks at the Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Sunday  while addressing as the chief guest at the workshop titled "Verification and Finalization of Bangladesh's Multi- Sectoral Action Plan on Eye Health".

He further said that, overall health risks including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke and kidney diseases must be taken into consideration in a comprehensive manner to reduce the risk of eye diseases. Diabetes is  increasing the risk of eye and kidney damage as well as heart disease and stroke, he added and said again that on the other hand cataract surgery is also expensive for many people.

At that time Sakhawat Hossain however elaborately came up and said again that, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases are closely related to each other. As a result it is not possible to ensure the overall people health by considering these diseases in isolation and providing separate treatments.

 Integrated treatment and preventive initiatives are needed regarding the matter, he added.

In addition, Minister mentioned again that, specialist doctors  in  various diseases  should be involved to  formed effective groups or platforms . Furthermore,  public awareness should be raised as well as diseases prevention and treatment services to be ensured  through this platform, Sakhawat added.

The program was presided over by the Health Services Division Additional Secretary ANM Moinul Islam.