Ever more people are visiting Turkey from abroad for nose jobs, hair transplants and similar procedures. Prices are low, but could there be risks? Ever more people are visiting Turkey from abroad for nose jobs, hair transplants and similar procedures. Prices are low, but could there be risks? "I wanted a nose job since turning 13. I heard Turkish doctors were good at them. A few girlfriends of mine had similar surgeries; they were very satisfied." Benita Paloja, a 28-year-old woman from the US, decided to do as her friends had done and flew to Turkey to get cosmetic surgery on her nose. She says she paid just $5,000 (€4,600) and was able to fly home a week later. Paloja, who works in the finance industry and as a part-time model, is pleased she had the surgery. She says she feels more confident today and has been hired for more modelling gigs. She also enthusiastically recalls the comprehensive care she received at the clinic. She says she is still in touch with the medical team. "I could have had the same surgery in the US for $30,000 (€27,800), though I certainly wouldn't have received the kind of attention and care I did in Turkey," says Paloja. Turkey has seen a medical tourism boom since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, over 670,000 foreigners visited Turkey to receive medical treatment, according to the country's state-owned International Health Services (USHAS) agency. One year later, that number rose to over 1.25 million, an increase of 88%. In the first six months of 2023, the figures remained similarly high.  Turkish health care facilities are generating considerable revenue from this international business, totaling more than $2 billion (€1.85 billion) in 2022. Revenue fell slightly in the first half of 2023, though experts believe this was primarily due to Turkey's devastating February earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people. Germans top the list In 2022, most foreigners seeking medical treatment in Turkey hailed from Germany, followed by Britain and Switzerland, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Botox and hyaluronic acid treatments for combating wrinkles were the most popular nonsurgical procedures among foreigners in Turkey. The top three surgical procedures were liposuction, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Turkey has also become ever more attractive for leg lengthening procedures. It is especially popular with men from the West who want to be taller. One of those who underwent the procedure is 31-year-old Ash (not his actual name) from the US, who until recently was dissatisfied with his body proportions. After undergoing surgery, he has gained 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) in height and is now 184 centimeters (just over 6 feet) tall. Ash says he feels much better now, though he admits that "it was a very painful procedure and the recovery phase took an incredibly long time." Even so, he says it was worth it. Ash says his chances when flirting have improved, and he now enjoys more respect from others.  Suffering for beauty's sake Yunus Oc, an experienced Istanbul-based orthopedic surgeon, says he has performed more than 200 leg lengthening procedures in the past two years alone. "I used to mainly perform this procedure for medical reasons following accidents or because of growth disorders or short stature," he says. In recent years, however, more and more people have sought him out for cosmetic rather than medical reasons, Oc says. He thinks the number of these surgeries will continue to rise over the next three to five years. But he warns that, unlike with nose or breast surgeries, leg lengthening procedures can have very serious consequences if the desired results are not achieved. There has been a growing number of reports about complications resulting from cosmetic surgery performed in Turkey. A year ago, Germany's public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute, reported that some 27 people had suffered poisoning following a botox stomach treatment. The procedure involves injecting botox into the stomach lining to create a prolonged feeling of satiety. The treatment caused serious side effects in some patients, including muscle weakness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties and sometimes paralysis. In mid-January, a Brazilian butt lift had deadly consequences for a British woman. The mother of three went to Istanbul for the cosmetic surgery and suffered a fatal heart attack four days later that was triggered by a fat embolism, according to British media. The procedure involves removing fat from the patient's body and using it plump up and enlarge the buttocks. Experts urge caution Do such incidents indicate that Turkish doctors or clinics are not professional enough? Dr. Susanne Punsmann, an expert with the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Centre in Germany, advises against generalizations, saying "there are good and bad [health care] facilities in Turkey, just like everywhere else." Punsmann points out that the title of "cosmetic surgeon" is not protected by law, which is why she recommends that anyone interested in getting treatment in Turkey thoroughly check the doctors' qualifications or find out how often they have already performed the planned procedure. Punsmann also says that doctors with the relevant qualifications are known as "specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery." She adds, however, that "other doctors — usually surgeons, dermatologists or gynecologists — are also allowed to perform cosmetic surgery." She says it is also important to check whether the doctor or clinic is certified according to European standards, such as the ISO standards, indicating that the clinic is regularly inspected, among other things. Patients should also find out about the materials or laboratory used, according to Punsmann. Ali Ihsan Okten of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) says one should be careful about noncertified clinics. He warns that the health tourism boom is causing an increasing commercialization in the industry. The market is highly competitive. Clincs are using aggressive advertising tactics, sending out text and WhatsApp messages and promoting their low prices to attract customers around the world. "The key criterion for getting treatment in Turkey is often the low cost," says Punsmann. "Savings of up to 70% are possible." She says that while a breast augmentation procedure will cost at least €4,500 ($4,800) in Germany, such a procedure can be had for as little as €2,500 ($2,700) in Turkey. In Düsseldorf, Germany, getting a surgical procedure to reduce the size of one's stomach costs around €12,500 ($13,400), whereas in Turkey it costs only a third of that price. This means you can save a lot of money in Turkey, especially on expensive procedures. But these savings may increase the willingness of some people to take greater risks.   

The admission test for medical colleges under 2023-24 academic sessions will be held on February 9. The one-hour-long admission test will begin at 10am on the day. The decision was taken at a meeting on the MBBS and BDS admission tests for the academic year 2023-24 held at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday (Dec 24). All coaching centres will remain closed for a month. Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque presided over the meeting.  

A total of 14 dengue patients died and 2,993 were admitted to different hospitals in the country during the last 24 hours. On September 2, Bangladesh recorded 21 dengue-related deaths, the highest number in a single day, this year while the country reported 20 dengue-linked deaths, second highest deaths during the current year, on September 7. "The death toll from dengue infection crossed 700-mark as the authorities recorded 730 dengue deaths between January 1, 2023 and September 10, a press release of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. "During the period, 994 dengue patients were hospitalised in Dhaka city while 1,999 were admitted to different hospitals outside it," the DGHS daily statement added. "This year, 730 deaths, the highest in a year since dengue was detected in 2000, were reported from dengue disease while 281 died last year," the statement said. With the new cases, the total number of patients rose to 1,48,328, the statement said, adding: "This year, some 1,37,727 patients were released from different hospitals out of the total patients." "A total of 9,871 dengue patients are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. Of them, 4,297 are in Dhaka while 5,574 are outside of the capital city," it added. According to the DGHS statement, among the total dengue positive cases, 56,781 are female and 91,547 are male. Of the total deaths, 424 are female and 306 male.   The authorities have recorded the highest number of dengue positive cases outside Dhaka in August this year meaning the mosquito disease gripped the entire country. August witnessed 71,976 dengue positive cases, the highest cases in a single month since dengue outbreak began in 2000 in the country, while 342 dengue-related deaths were reported in the current month, the DGHS statement said.   According to the health experts, the vector-borne disease hit Dhaka city in 2000 subsequently the dengue positive cases were detected in Dhaka city only. But the dengue disease is changing its nature and it is gradually spreading across the country, they said, adding: "All 64 districts of the country have witnessed dengue positive cases." July alone recorded 43,854 dengue positive cases with 204 deaths, the DGHS statement read. As of September 10, the authorities recorded 24,520 dengue positive cases while 137 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease during the same period. While addressing a seminar held today, Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), suggested following treatment protocol properly to treat dengue patients to avert deaths as the country already has set all time record in both deaths and infections since the mosquito-borne disease was detected in 2000. He urged the physicians and other medical professionals to maintain treatment protocol while treating dengue patients as it is very crucial part of medical services for dengue patients.   The BSMMU Vice Chancellor also dubbed fluid management as an important part of treatment protocol for dengue patients, saying all medical professional have to be cautious for fluid management of dengue patients as over doses of fluid and fluid deficiency caused deaths.

The 47th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed in the country in a befitting manner. On August 27 (12 Bhadra of Bangla calendar year) in 1976, the poet breathed his last at the then PG Hospital, now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, in the city. The poet was buried with state honour beside the Dhaka University central mosque. Kazi Nazrul was a poet, lyricist, musician and philosopher. Different political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes to par respect to the national poet. The programmes include placing of wreaths at the grave of the poet, discussions, song and poetry recitation sessions and staging of dramas from the creative literary works of the poet. Besides, Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, and other private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes. Kazi Nazrul was born on 11 Joishttha, 1306 Bonggabdo in the village Churulia, West Bengal of India's Bardhaman district. His father's name was Kazi Faqeer Ahmed and mother was Zahida Khatun. His nickname was 'Dukhu Mia'. The nation got inspirations from Nazrul's poems and songs during the great Liberation War in 1971 and all other democratic movements and struggles. Nazrul wrote nearly 3,000 songs and composed many of them which are known as Nazrul-Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet. After the independence of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought poet Nazrul Islam to Dhaka from Kolkata along with his family and made arrangements for living with state honour. Bangabandhu also provided a residence for the family of the poet in the city's Dhanmondi.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has warned of a record number of dengue cases this month (August).  According to the organisation, the rate of dengue cases in the country was much higher in July than in June. Even in August, this upward trend of dengue infection continues, which can surpass all previous records of dengue cases in the country. Director (MIS) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Md Shahadat Hossain presented the information at a virtual briefing on the ongoing dengue situation in the country on Wednesday afternoon. Dr Hossain said although dengue infection is stable in Dhaka city, the rate of infection outside Dhaka is still increasing.  “In the first eight days of August, 20,393 people have been diagnosed with dengue, compared to 43,854 cases last month,” he said.  Shahadat Hossain said, "The Department of Health and Health Ministry has been actively monitoring our health management issues, treatment and other management of hospitalised patients, so that patients can come to the hospital and get treatment. We're very careful about that.” According to the DGHS, the highest 424 patients in Dhaka city are admitted to Mugda Medical College Hospital. A total of 377 people are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 273 in Mitford Hospital and 292 in DNCC-dedicated Covid-19 Hospital.  “We still have a lot of vacancies. Besides, patients can get admitted and get treatment in our medical colleges as well,” Dr Shahadat Hossain said.  The death toll from the Dengue outbreak across the country has surpassed 350 since January this year.  Twelve more deaths were reported in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 352 this year. So far, the DGHS has recorded 75,069 dengue cases and 65,290 recoveries this year. Source: UNB

An university student was killed as a truck hit his motorcycle in capital's Rampura area around 3 am July 23.   The deceased has been Identified as Pulok Gomez (19), a student of a private university, son of Bitim Gomez from Kaliganj Upazila of Gazipur. He lived at Norda in old Dhaka. Pulok's brother-in-law, Roni said, he was returning home, in that time a truck hits his motorcycle. then he was taken to a private hospital. Later, he was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital's (DMCH) emergency department.  

Ramban district administration has set up free medical camps from Nashri to Banihal for Amarnath Yatris along the National Highway 44. As many as 19 medical camps have been set up in Langars (a communal free kitchen), Yatri Niwas and other lodgements, Nodal Officer, Health Dr Opinder Singh told ANI. Facilities like free medicines, ambulance service and testing facilities are available round the clock to the Yatris. "Free medical facilities are being provided round the clock to the Yatris. Our medical staff is available in every Langer. Serious patients are being referred to the district hospital Ramban," Dr Singh said. Security officers, langar managers, workers and tourists are also being provided free medical facilities, he said. Yatris hailed the administration for making the arrangements. Balvinder Singh, a Yatri from Punjab, said, "The arrangements have been made up to the mark. I had a medical checkup on one of my ears. Medicines are provided free of cost here. I am satisfied with the treatment." Camp Director, Dr Sushant Mahajan said, "Many facilities are being provided to the Yatris. Beds have been set up here for patients, and ECG machines have also been installed. Medicines are being provided free of cost". Vinay Kumar, another Yatri said, "I had a skin cut. It was washed and attended to by a doctor. Besides, I got my sugar test done free of cost. I expressed my gratitude to the doctors". The annual Amarnath Yatra began on July 1 with the first batch of pilgrims starting their journey from Baltal base camp in Jammu Kashmir's Ganderbal to Amarnath Cave. The 62-day pilgrimage will culminate on August 31. 

Highlighting the healthcare reforms by the central government, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that the last nine years have turned India into a cost-effective medical destination and this has been possible because of several pathbreaking healthcare reforms. Addressing the inaugural session of the 42nd annual conference of the National Medicos Organisation (NMO) organised at AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal, Jitendra Singh said that previously India was hardly known for any preventive healthcare but today India is recognized as the vaccination hub of the world. He also said that Medico organisations can collaborate with the government for ensuring last-mile delivery of healthcare. Singh said that today we can evidently see patients from several other countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and even European countries coming over to leading hospitals including government hospitals in India for treatment. "All of them have gone back satisfied because the treatment provided to them is world-class as India has all the medical facilities available as present anywhere else in the world and at a much cheaper cost," he said. The Minister said that the number of old age people in the country is increasing. Pensioners outnumber the serving employees. Because of this, diseases of old age are also increasing. Another big challenge the country is facing today is the diseases of old age affecting the middle and young age groups. The Minister said that it is pertinent that India address these metabolic disorders because the country is moving forward rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hence we have to protect the potential and energy of our youth, he added. Jitendra Singh said that during the previous governments, the health budget was a very small fraction of the Union Budget. By bringing in Ayushman Bharat, the first-of-its-kind health insurance scheme in the world, India has moved from a sectoral and segmented approach of health service delivery to a comprehensive need-based health care service. Further revival of the healthcare system has also been initiated through the celebration of International Yoga Day, integrating traditional medicines with allopathy. 2023 is celebrated as the International year of Millets focussing on nutrient-rich millets. In the same line, India has also given the concept of wellness to the world. It is not just prevention of illness but also promotion of health and wellbeing so that citizens can contribute to nation building with utmost energy and wellbeing, he added. Minister said that another important aspect is integrated healthcare where integration of Ayurveda and yoga with modern medical practices is needed. In the past few years, the government has made a cautious effort to revive our traditional knowledge. In this regard, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has established traditional knowledge digital library where everyone has access to it, not only patent holders so that we have a system of healthcare that has an optimum mix of our traditional knowledge with the most modern discoveries and inventions.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her call to put special focus on medical science research, urging all to take the country forward with fresh inventions to cope with the new global technologies. "I can't but say with a sorrow that research on agriculture and science is going on, but our research on medical science is fewer in number. So give special attention to medical science research," she said.   The prime minister was distributing cheques of "Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship," "National Science and Technology Fellowship" and special research donations among teachers, scientists, researchers and students of different universities.   The Science and Technology Ministry arranged the ceremony at Osmani Smriti Auditorium in the capital.   The prime minister expressed a bit dismay saying a section of physicians either joins the government services or politics after obtaining MBBS degrees shunning practices and research.   And another section is busy with income, for which, they do government services and private practices at the same time, she said.   "Fewer people are doing research on medical sciences. Research on medical science has increased a little bit after I have told it time and again," she added.   The prime minister said her government aims at reaching the scientific and technological advancement to a new height. So, she wants vigorous efforts from scientists and researchers to help the country cope with newer global technologies, she continued.   The scientists and researchers will have to give commendable returns to the nation to prepare people worthy of working in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), she said.   "Technology has changed over times and we are now at the era of the 4IR as we need new technologies to be further developed and to make efficient manpower to overcome the challenges of the new era," she said.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati (AIIMS) at Changsari, North Guwahati will start functioning in April, this year. This was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today, Thursday, January 13, 2023, along the side-lines of the inauguration programme of Jorpukhuri in Uzan Bazar. CM Sarma further added that the construction of the bridge connecting Guwahati – North Guwahati, will be completed by the end of 2023, and the bridge will be the shortest means for Guwahatians to reach AIIMS. It will take 10 minutes to reach AIIMS from Uzan bazar, he added. In the programme, Sarma also said that the construction of the second Medical College in Guwahati has been initiated and will be completed latest by next year. Source: Gplus (guwahatiplus.com)