Healthcare

Healthcare

Bangladesh medical university budget: No money for its new specialised hospital

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) yesterday approved a Tk 976 crore budget for the next fiscal year but made no allocation for its Super Specialised Hospital, raising fresh doubts over the prospect of making the facility fully operational nearly three years after its inauguration.

2d ago

Hydration may hold the key to fewer migraines

While migraines can be triggered by many factors, one of the most preventable is dehydration. Even a modest drop in fluid levels may set off a headache—and for those prone to migraines, this can evolve into a full-blown episode hours later.

1w ago

Guidance to strengthen midwifery models of care

On 18 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released new guidance to help countries adopt and expand midwifery models of care—where midwives serve as the main providers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

1w ago

Family-centred care for vulnerable newborns

There are approximately 6,500 newborn deaths every day in Bangladesh, amounting to 47% of all child deaths under the age of 5 years. Almost 75% of neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life, and about 1 million newborns die within the first 24 hours.

1w ago

Carb-loading: A smart strategy for endurance athletes

Carbohydrate loading, or “carb-loading”, is a nutrition strategy used by athletes to boost the body’s energy reserves before long-duration, high-intensity activities. The aim is to build up glycogen—stored glucose—in the muscles and liver, which helps delay exhaustion during extended physical exertion.

1w ago

Pus in the chest may cost you your life!

In many developing countries, thousands unknowingly suffer from a life-threatening condition—pus collection inside the chest around the lungs, medically known as empyema thoracis. Due to lack of awareness, late diagnosis, and inadequate treatment, this disease often leads to irreversible lung damage or death.

1w ago

World drowning prevention day with global call to action

On 25 July 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will observe World Drowning Prevention Day, a United Nations-recognised initiative aimed at raising awareness about drowning, which claims over 300,000 lives each year. Children aged 5–14 are among the most affected, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

1w ago

Getting rid of chronic lower back pain: my personal experience

I was suffering from chronic lower back pain for more than three decades. No medication could cure me from the pain.

1w ago

Caring for your liver: Key steps to stay healthy

Your liver is a vital organ that supports digestion, cleans toxins from your blood, produces bile to break down fats, and stores glucose for energy. Protecting it is essential for long-term health.

5m ago

Winter immunity boost: Eat right, stay strong

As winter sets in, strengthening your immune system is essential, especially in Bangladesh, where cold weather can make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections like the flu and common colds.

5m ago

Rising concern over HMPV amid seasonal surge

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an RNA virus. Belongs to the paramyxoviridae family, similar to RSV. It occurs in late winter and spring. Reinfection can occur throughout life.

5m ago

Does drinking tea cause kidney stones? An informative analysis

Tea is cherished globally for its comforting qualities and potential health benefits. However, questions about its connection to kidney stone formation persist. Is tea a risk factor for kidney stones, or is this a misunderstanding? Let us explore the facts.

5m ago

The promise and pitfalls of AI in clinical reasoning

Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and Gemini-1.0-Pro are revolutionising clinical reasoning, demonstrating expert-level diagnostic capabilities. However, these tools are not without flaws, mirroring the cognitive biases that challenge human decision-making. Recent studies highlight both their potential and limitations in clinical practice.

5m ago

E-cigarettes: The hidden dangers behind the vape craze

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that ejects vaporised solution for inhalation. It usually contains nicotine, the addictive substance in regular cigarettes, along with other flavouring agents and chemicals, including heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead.

5m ago

Global commission proposes updated diagnostic framework

A landmark report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology introduces a redefined approach to diagnosing obesity, aiming to address the limitations of traditional methods and ensure appropriate care for over one billion individuals living with obesity worldwide.

5m ago

How living at high altitude affects patients with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is challenging to manage, and high-altitude living adds another layer of complexity. At high altitudes, the reduced oxygen levels trigger physiological changes, but their impact on COPD patients remains uncertain.

5m ago

Water: An essential fuel for your brain

What can you do to improve your overall brain health? The simple solution is to drink plenty of water.

5m ago

Pirojpur Sadar Hospital: 250-bed on paper, 100-bed in reality

The long-awaited upgrade of Pirojpur Sadar Hospital from 100-bed to a 250-bed facility remains incomplete even after six and a half years, leaving patients to suffer.

5m ago