International Snakebite Awareness Day was observed in Paikgacha, Khulna, with a rally and discussion meeting organised by the Upazila Health Department on Saturday (September 19).
The programme began with a colourful rally that started in front of the hospital and marched along the main road. A discussion meeting was later held at the auditorium of Paikgacha Upazila Health Complex under the theme, “Act Fast, Save Lives.”
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Ahsanara Binte Ahmed presided over the meeting.
Among those who spoke were Resident Medical Officer Dr Shakila Afroze, Junior Consultant and gynaecology specialist Dr Sujan Kumar Sarker, Medical Officer Dr Sanjay Kumar Mondal, Dr Pranta Sarker, Dr Nayan Kumar Sarker, Dr Tanvir Ahmed, Nursing Supervisor Hamida Khatun, Head Assistant Debabrata Sarker, Statistician Jahangir Alam, Jayanti, Sarwar Hossain and Shah Alam.
Officials and employees from different departments of the health complex were also present.
Dr Ahsanara Binte Ahmed stressed the importance of public awareness to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites.
She said proper treatment for snakebites is available in Bangladesh and urged people not to rely on traditional healers or faith-based remedies after a snakebite.
Instead, she advised victims to seek medical treatment at the nearest health centre as quickly as possible.
