17 new radiotherapy machines to expand cancer treatment nationwide
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today said 17 new radiotherapy machines will be installed at hospitals across the country to make cancer treatment more accessible.
“Of these, six will be installed at specialized hospitals and medical colleges in Dhaka, while 11 will be installed at hospitals outside the capital,” he said at a press conference at the Secretariat here.
He said training programmes for the required technicians and manpower have already begun.
The minister said the number of cancer patients is increasing rapidly, while ensuring treatment for poor people has become a major challenge due to shortages and malfunctioning chemotherapy and radiotherapy equipment.
“Many lives could be saved if treatment for complex diseases like cancer is started on time,” he said, adding that the government is working to bring visible changes in the health sector.
Sakhawat also announced that a year-long nationwide family planning campaign will begin on December 1, 2026 and continue until November 30, 2027.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the programme, he added.
Under the campaign, birth-control materials and counselling will be provided door-to-door, alongside rallies, fairs and awareness programmes, he said.
The slogan will be: “Not more than two children, one is better,” he added.
Regarding dengue, the minister said treatment and saline supplies are being ensured in line with WHO protocols.
Doctors have been asked to remain vigilant over changes in dengue strains and rising post-dengue cardiac complications, he said.
According to ministry data, 94,356 dengue patients have been hospitalized since January, with 88,299 recovering and being discharged.
