PM takes responsibility for treatment of toddler with rare congenital condition

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 PM's attention, he instructed his Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon, to ensure the child received the necessary medical assistance 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, a physician at the PM'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 doctors and coordinate the required medical support.

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

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

The specialists decided to present the case to a visiting Chinese medical team 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 would provide all possible assistance for the child's treatment.

They also conveyed Tarique’s sympathy, support and best wishes to the family.