PM takes responsibility for treatment of child with rare congenital disease

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken responsibility for the treatment of two-year-old Anifa Akter, who is suffering from a rare congenital disease, after media reports highlighted her family's inability to afford the costly treatment.

After the matter came to the Prime Minister's attention, he instructed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to ensure necessary medical assistance for the child and to look into the overall condition of the family.

Following the directive, a delegation, led by Moksedul Momin Mithun, member secretary of "Amra BNP Poribar", and guided by Dr Shah Mohammad Amanullah Aman, physician at the Prime Minister's Office and a noted orthopaedic surgeon, visited the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital on Monday to discuss Anifa's treatment with specialist physicians and coordinate the required medical support.

A five-member medical board, led by Dr Zahidul Islam, head of the Paediatric Cardiology Department at the hospital, reviewed the child's physical condition, medical records and diagnostic reports.

The board described Anifa's condition as highly complex and critical.

The specialists decided that the case will be presented to a visiting medical team from China upon its arrival in Bangladesh. The Chinese experts will jointly assess the child with Bangladeshi specialists before determining the next course of treatment.

If necessary, the board will recommend sending Anifa abroad for advanced treatment.

During the visit, members of the delegation also met Anifa's family and assured them that the government will provide all possible assistance for the child's treatment.

They also conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's sympathy, support and best wishes to the family.