The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reported 9 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours from 40 sample tests, marking a positivity rate of 22.5%.

This brings the country’s total confirmed cases to 2,051,729. Two patients recovered during this period, increasing the total recoveries to 2,019,354. No deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 29,499 people have died due to the virus in Bangladesh.

More than 200 patients have been admitted to the Lalpur Upazila Health Complex in the last three days with diarrhea. Most are workers from the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Patients expressed frustration as the hospital lacked sufficient government-supplied medicine, forcing them to buy drugs from outside. The outbreak reportedly began after workers consumed food and water at the EPZ last Thursday.

Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman announced that specialized geriatric wards will soon be introduced in all public hospitals across the country to improve healthcare services for the elderly. He mentioned that while Dhaka Medical College Hospital currently has one such ward, another will open next month at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. Plans are underway to roll out similar wards in all government hospitals in phases. Addressing nurses, the secretary stressed the importance of courteous greetings, smiling interactions, and kind behavior in enhancing the quality of care. “This is not only a professional duty but also a humanitarian value that builds patient trust and contributes to their emotional well-being,” he added.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has announced plans to treat 30,000 Rohingya refugees for Hepatitis C by 2026. Since October 2020, MSF has already provided treatment to over 10,000 patients at its hospitals in Jamtoli and Pahari. A 2023 study found that one in five adults in the refugee camps is infected with the virus, underscoring the urgent need for expanded medical intervention.

The BCS Dental Cadre Association has submitted a six-point demand, including the inclusion of “Dental Surgeon” posts in all BCS exams, including the upcoming 48th Special BCS. They are also demanding the creation of at least five dental surgeon positions at each Upazila Health Complex and eight at district hospitals. The association is calling for an end to the appointment of MBBS doctors to dental posts, regular promotions for dental professionals, the upgrading of dental units into full-fledged colleges, and increased budget allocations for oral healthcare under the national “Health for All” commitment.

The first group of Bangladeshi patients has traveled to China for advanced medical treatment. A 31-member delegation, including 14 patients, left Dhaka on a China Eastern Airlines flight. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka organized a press conference, where Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted China’s commitment to easing medical access for Bangladeshis. Three top-tier hospitals in Yunnan Province have been designated for their treatment, with visa facilitation also ensured. This initiative marks a step toward stronger Bangladesh-China ties, coinciding with 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has laid off more than 1,000 employees following the suspension of U.S. funding. These employees worked on research projects funded by USAID and other U.S. government agencies. ICDDR,B confirmed that all related projects have been put on hold until further notice. The organization expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and remains hopeful about resuming its activities once funding is restored.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has suggested that China, particularly Kunming, could be an alternative to India for medical treatment due to its lower costs and India’s current visa restrictions. Bangladesh has requested China to reduce visa fees to facilitate this shift. Additionally, China has agreed to establish a hospital in Bangladesh, with Purbachal proposed as the site. Discussions with China also focused on reducing loan interest rates, extending repayment periods, and signing a deal on the Brahmaputra River, though no talks occurred on the Teesta.

The government is prioritizing capacity enhancement in medical colleges by hiring additional teachers instead of increasing seats, according to interim Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum. Speaking during an MBBS admission test visit, she emphasized coordination among colleges if needed. Currently, there are 110 medical colleges in the country, with a total of 5,380 seats available. For the 2024-25 academic year, 135,261 students applied, resulting in 25 students competing for each seat this year.

Bangladesh Eye Hospital refuted claims of surgery on the wrong eye of a child, Irtiza Ariz Hasan, calling them baseless. The hospital clarified no surgery was performed; only foreign particles were removed from both eyes. Miscommunication led the child’s family to file a police case, resulting in the arrest of Dr. Sahed-Ara Begum. The hospital condemned the arrest without investigation, urging a fair inquiry and protection for doctors against harassment due to misunderstandings or false allegations.

A German study involving 461,818 women found that incorporating AI into breast cancer screening increased detection rates by 17.6% compared to standard methods, identifying one additional cancer case per 1,000 women without raising false positives. The AI tool flagged suspicious scans and served as a “safety net,” reducing radiologists’ workload while maintaining accuracy. It also improved speed in reviewing normal scans and supported higher detection of cancers, including in situ cases. Experts praise the findings as promising but stress the need for long-term research to address potential overdiagnosis risks and ensure clinically meaningful outcomes. AI offers significant potential in healthcare efficiency.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been in Bangladesh for decades despite recent outbreaks in Asia. Identified in 2001, it resembles the flu with symptoms like fever and cough, but no fatalities have been linked. Preventive measures, including masks and hand washing, are advised, especially for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. While there's no vaccine, HMPV isn't alarming but should be monitored for its respiratory implications.

Five years after the coronavirus, Indian media reports China is facing another viral threat with HMPV. These reports suggest HMPV is rapidly spreading, overwhelming hospitals. Indian media also mentions concurrent viruses like Influenza A and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Despite rumors of an emergency, no official confirmation exists. Health experts, per Indian reports, are alarmed by HMPV's symptoms resembling the coronavirus, especially impacting pediatric care with increased pneumonia cases. China's health officials are monitoring, as per these reports.