The prime minister (PM) has taken full responsibility for the medical treatment of two-year-old Anifa Akhtar, following media reports highlighting her family’s inability to bear the costs of her complex illness.
Upon the PM’s instructions to his Additional Press Secretary, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, a representative team visited National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) on Monday.
Led by Agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, member secretary of “Amra BNP Paribar”, the visit was coordinated based on a plan by Shah Mohammad Amanullah Aman, a physician at the PM’s office. The delegation met with the child and consulted specialist doctors to initiate necessary medical coordination.
During the visit, the representatives spoke with Anifa’s family, assuring them that the government would provide all necessary cooperation for her treatment. They also conveyed a message of sincere sympathy and well-wishes from PM Tarique Rahman.
A five-member specialist medical board, headed by Dr Zahidul Islam, head of Paediatric Cardiology Department at NICVD, reviewed Anifa’s overall physical condition, medical records, and various test results. Following the review, the experts described the child’s condition as “extremely complex and critical”.
The medical board further said Anifa’s case will be presented to a specialist medical team from China upon their arrival in Bangladesh. A subsequent treatment plan will be determined based on joint consultations between local experts and the Chinese team.
A decision regarding sending the child abroad for advanced treatment will be taken if deemed necessary.
