The Daily Star (TDS): As a young entrepreneur, what motivated you to invest in a new cancer unit for Labaid?

Sakif Shamim: According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1.5 lakh new cancer patients are detected in Bangladesh every year while more than 1 lakh people die from the terminal disease. So, a large volume of these cancer patients needs comprehensive modern treatment. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive cancer care hospital with international standard treatment facilities in our country.

As a trusted healthcare service provider, Labaid Group has to improve this scenario. That's the reason my father, Dr A M Shamim, stepped forward and took the decision to build a comprehensive cancer care hospital with international standard treatment facilities.         

TDS: What challenges have you faced at the Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Center due to Covid-19, and how have you addressed the needs of your patients, especially cancer patients?

Sakif Shamim: Cancer patients are vulnerable because their treatment procedure is highly risky and may impact their immune system. That's why the coronavirus situation has been a big challenge for cancer patients as well as cancer hospitals.

If any cancer patient is infected with Covid-19, they might be at life risk and fear hospital treatment. To improve this situation, we strictly monitor international coronavirus protocols and health safety policies. We take utmost care in ensuring patients that this hospital is Covid-free.

Our doctors, nurses, frontline workers and quality management team ensure full support to the patient. Our psychological counselling team communicates with patients and attendants and gives them mental support.

TDS: Do you think that the fear of Covid-19 has delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment? How would you address the pandemic going forward?

Sakif Shamim: Cancer is a fast-growing disease and if it is not diagnosed and treated in its early stage, chances of survival become slim.

I just want to say, please don't delay your treatment. International standard treatment now can be availed in Bangladesh with proper health safety norms and Covid-19 protocols. We don't know when this pandemic will end. I request all cancer patients not to delay their treatments.    

TDS: Has there been any recent upgradation of cancer care therapies at Labaid?

Sakif Shamim: The hospital is equipped with the most advanced equipment and technologies with the widest range of services, comprising a TrueBeam Linear Accelerator (with stereotactic radiosurgery), HDR brachytherapy, advanced chemotherapy day-care centre, immunotherapy, genome therapy and so on.

Our management, doctors, nurses and all other staff pledge full support and contribution towards the goal of providing compassionate services at an affordable cost.

We have also started Oporajoyi Abashan (like the Tata Memorial Hospital in India). This is a hospitality service for patients who come from outside Dhaka for treatment. Oporajoyi Abashan is located near our hospital and is equipped with emergency medical services, good accommodation at low costs, good quality food and a secure environment for every patient.

TDS: Currently, we do not know when the Covid-19 pandemic will end. How do you plan to continue working amid the pandemic?

Sakif Shamim: Considering the current scenario, the pandemic looks like it will take more time to end. However, we have to move on with a new strategy.

This pandemic has taught us many things, bringing wide-scale reforms to the healthcare system. We are more cautious about our treatment system, patient and hospital management. We have to work on more patient-centric treatment. We have to introduce new technologies, train manpower, and emphasise technology-friendly work environments and virtual healthcare management, such as telemedicine.

TDS: Tell us about Labaid Cancer Hospital's plans and goals for the near and distant future.

Sakif Shamim: The Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Center in Dhaka is the first comprehensive cancer care facility in Bangladesh. It was established with a vision to provide affordable healthcare services with a spirit of patient-centricity and ethical practice.

With the right combination of 30 years of trust and the legacy of Labaid and modern leadership in healthcare, this hospital aims to revolutionise the overall cancer treatment scenario in Bangladesh.

We also want to be the pioneer in changing the perception that quality care for cancer patients provided by private hospitals is beyond the reach of common people.

With the choice of cost-effective care and a wide range of services and facilities to choose from, we are contributing to the overall development of the domestic health sector.

In a continuation of this effort, the Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Center seeks to bring advanced cancer treatment to the patients that include six advanced modular operation theatres, three advanced LINAC machines, robotic surgery, a solid organ transplantation programme, BMT Unit, cyberknife technique, access to clinical research drugs. Also, we will establish 30 peripheral centres across the country for ensuring accessibility to cancer treatment and care.

TDS: Do you have any message for cancer patients and oncology professionals in the country on the occasion of World Cancer Day?

Sakif Shamim: This year, the theme of World Cancer Day is "Close The Care Gap", which means everyone deserves access to cancer care. So, we can say those who are suffering from cancer have the right to better treatment and quality of life.

Our oncology professionals have to work more closely with the patients, ensure better treatment, and earn their trust. 

We, the healthcare professionals, have to take more initiatives to introduce more advanced treatment facilities and ensure modern technology and treatment facilities for every cancer patient in Bangladesh.