17 radiotherapy machines to be installed in public hospitals by June next year: Health minister

The government will install 17 radiotherapy machines at public hospitals by June next year to meet the growing demand for cancer treatment, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said today.

He made the announcement at a press briefing at the Health Ministry.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Of the 17 machines, six linear accelerators will be installed at hospitals in Dhaka, while the remaining machines will be installed at hospitals outside the capital.

The minister said the number of cancer patients was rising sharply, with patients having to wait six to eight months for radiotherapy.

“So we have taken steps to ease people’s suffering,” he said.

Meanwhile, the government will launch a year-long campaign from December 1 to revive the family planning programme, the minister said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the campaign, he added.

The minister said the country’s total fertility rate had increased recently as the family planning programme had lost momentum in recent years.

“We are going to conduct a vigorous campaign to bring back the momentum,” he said.