Bangladesh Cancer and Palliative Care Center (BCPCC) opens in Dhanmondi

The Bangladesh Cancer and Palliative Care Center (BCPCC) has officially begun operations in Dhaka, aiming to provide comprehensive cancer and palliative care services while helping reduce patients’ dependence on treatment abroad.

The centre was inaugurated at Green City Square, House 10/A, Dhanmondi, at a ceremony attended by senior physicians, health professionals and other stakeholders.

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Among those attending the event were renowned cancer urologist Professor Dr Abdus Salam; former chairman of the Department of ENT at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Professor Dr Kamrul Hasan Talukder; eminent paediatrician Professor Dr Ekhlasur Rahman; former head of the ICU, Pain and Palliative Care Unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Professor Dr Mozaffar; Dr Mustafa Kamal Chowdhury Adil, associate professor of palliative care at Bangladesh Medical University; and Mosaddek Hossain, chairman of UniMed UniHealth Pharmaceuticals.

Also present were Dr Y Y Mroy John, in-charge of the Palliative Care Unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital; Dr Kamrul Hasan Sajib; Dr Shahed Imran; and other physicians and healthcare stakeholders.

The programme was conducted by Dr Nishat Mehzabin.

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Speaking at the event, the organisers highlighted the importance of palliative care for people living with cancer and other serious or long-term illnesses. Such care focuses not only on managing pain and other physical symptoms but also on addressing psychological and emotional distress and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

They noted that despite the availability of cancer treatment and related healthcare services in Bangladesh, many patients continue to travel abroad, often spending substantial amounts of money and time in search of specialised treatment.

The organisers said BCPCC intends to develop into a dependable centre where patients can receive cancer-related services and palliative care within the country.

They emphasised that palliative care, in particular, can play an important role in relieving suffering, supporting patients and their families throughout serious illness, and ensuring compassionate, patient-centred care.

According to the organisers, strengthening the quality of local cancer care and building patients’ confidence in domestic healthcare services could help reduce unnecessary overseas treatment while contributing to the broader development of Bangladesh’s healthcare system.