Experts Stress Screening, Diagnosis as Key to Obstetric Fistula Rehabilitation

Speakers at a workshop here today unanimously viewed that screening and diagnosis can be the crucial means of early recovery and proper rehabilitation of the patients suffering from obstetric fistula. They also mentioned identifying the patients is very important as many of the government and non-government organisations are working in this field.

The Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) organised the workshop titled "Diagnosis and Screening of Fistula for Government Service providers at RMCH" at the RMCH conference hall. LAMB Hospital and UNFPA as part of implementation of the Frrei project supported the workshop aimed at motivating and sensitizing RMCH doctors on the issue so that they can contribute to this field effectively.

Chaired by RMCH Director Brigadier General PKM Masud Ul Islam, the workshop was addressed, among others, by its Deputy Director Dr Hasanul Hasib, Assistant Director Dr Rawshan Akhter and Fistula Specialists Dr Nargish Shamima and Dr Sheikh Abdul Hakim. During her keynote presentation, Fistula Specialist Dr Nazmun Nahar gave an illustration about the disease along with its causes, preventive and curative measures.

In his remarks, LAMB District Facilitator Shariful Islam sought all-out cooperation of the participating doctors and specialists for welfare of the  obstetrics patients. Dr Nazmun Nahar told the meeting that the patients suffering from obstetric fistula are getting the support of treatment and rehabilitation free of cost as many of the government and non-government organisations concerned are providing the support.

Utmost emphasis should be given on reaching the messages about the cost-free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to the patients in different parts of the region, particularly in the remote and hard-to-reach areas, so that they could be brought under the existing privileges. In his remarks, Dr Abdul Hakim said obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and bladder and or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.

It leaves women with incontinence problems, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. However, this problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance and its occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross inequities. So, concerted efforts of all authorities concerned have become crucial to mitigate the problem.