M A Mannan, Bhola: A 15-day patient identification campaign has been launched with the goal of making Lalmohan Upazila in Bhola free from obstetric fistula by 2026.

The campaign was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (February 24) at 10:00 am at the Lalmohan Upazila Health Complex. The program, which will run from February 25 to March 11, was presided over by the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Dr. Md. Abu Mahmud Talha. The Upazila Family Planning Officer, Dr. Md. Shahadat Hossain, attended as vice-president. Health department officials and staff, local public representatives and community members were also present at the event.
Speakers at the meeting stated that obstetric fistula is a silent and severe health problem affecting women. Due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and delayed treatment, the condition often remains hidden. They emphasized that child marriage prevention, adoption of family planning, and ensuring skilled and safe delivery services can completely prevent this disease. Importance was placed on raising public awareness and identifying potential patients through door-to-door visits to bring them under treatment quickly.
During the campaign, field workers from the health and family planning departments will visit households and use community networks to collect information on suspected patients. Suspected cases will be examined at the Upazila Health Complex and, if necessary, referred to the National Fistula Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Treatment and transportation costs for identified patients will be served free of charge. After treatment, rehabilitation support will also be provided to poor patients. Additionally, a cash reward of BDT 1,000 has been announced for anyone providing information about a fistula patient.
Speakers in the meeting noted that the primary symptom of obstetric fistula is the uncontrolled leakage of urine or feces through the birth canal due to prolonged obstructed labor or surgical complications. If identified early and treated promptly, the condition is completely curable.
Officials expressed hope that if the program is successfully implemented, Lalmohan Upazila can be officially declared fistula-free on May 23, marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. For free services, people have been requested to contact 01712667545.
It is worth mentioning that the program is being implemented under the SR-MNCAH project with financial support from United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and technical assistance from Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh. The event concluded with an awareness rally participated in by health officials, public representatives, and local residents.