On 30 November 2024, Roche Bangladesh Limited organized a Policy Dialogue titled, “Identifying Cancer (Lymphoma) Management Gaps in Bangladesh”. By bringing together government officials, healthcare authorities, specialists, and industry experts, this discussion aimed to push for tangible steps towards improving cancer care in Bangladesh, ensuring that patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have better treatment options and better chances at survival.
Dr. Md. Zainal Abedin Tito, Line Director (Hospital Services Management), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Dr. Shah Ali Akbar Ashrafi, Divisional Director (Health), Mymensingh were present as the government representatives. Dr. Ashrafi mentioned the need for an integrated database of cancer patients in Bangladesh. He committed to work collaboratively with the hospitals and the private sector to establish this national database. The Line Director of Hospital Services Management shared how the public institutions and their respective officials have to take the leading role in requesting the government for ensuring patients’ access to treatment. Dr. Tito acknowledged the journey of ensuring access to Hemophilia patients can be taken as an example to provide quality treatment to DLBCL patients. Both of them recommend formulating an advisory committee and working committee for managing DLBCL so that they can advise and prepare a comprehensive strategy for better management.
The panel of discussants at the dialogue included leading hematologists in Bangladesh. Professor Dr. A. B. M. Yunus, Blood Cancer & Blood Diseases Specialist, Ex-Chairman Dept. of Hematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Professor. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Khan, Haematologist & BMT Physician, Haematology & BMT Unit, Lab Aid Cancer Hospital shared the current cancer management processes with current challenges and way forwards in Bangladesh. Both the veteran physicians shared how their patients struggle to meet the financial burden of treatment and how the government should come forward for these patients. They also shared that people who have the financial ability to avail treatment in the country, prefer medical tourism because they are unaware of the treatment available in the country. Hence, they focused largely on the need for widespread awareness and stated how the private sector can support the government to do so.
Roche Bangladesh Limited’s Country Manager, Mr. Mark Heeb shared how alongside driving innovation in healthcare, Roche is also dedicated to how partnering with key stakeholders can help the patients have access to treatment. He further mentioned how the government is already realizing the burden of rare and complex diseases. Mr. Mark called for a collaborative approach by the government, HCPs and the private sector, so that patients truly benefit from the innovations that are now available in Bangladesh.
Dr. Md. Mofijul Islam Bulbul, Head of Access & Policy, Roche Bangladesh Limited moderated the session and Mr. Wahiduz Zaman, Head of Integrated Strategy, Roche Bangladesh Limited delivered the vote of thanks. The dialogue was also joined by hematology HCPs and industry experts.
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