National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFBD): Pioneering Cardiac Care in Dhaka
Introduction
Situated at Plot-7/2, Section-2, Mirpur, Dhaka, the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFBD) has emerged as a leading institution dedicated to providing advanced cardiac care services. From its humble beginnings with the support of A.N.H. Bari Trust, the hospital has grown into a 330-bed tertiary care facility, playing a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape of Bangladesh.
About Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik – The Founder of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh
Early Life and Education
Born on December 1, 1929, in the village of Paschin Bhag in South Surma, Sylhet, National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik hails from a respectable Muslim family. His academic journey led him to Dhaka Medical College, where he completed his MBBS in 1954. Subsequently, he joined the Pakistan Army Medical Corps in June 1955.
International Training and Contributions
In 1963, the government sent Prof. Malik to the U.K. for higher education. After obtaining MRCP in 1964, he underwent advanced training in Cardiology at Hammersmith Hospital, Post Graduate Medical School London, and other U.K. hospitals from March 1964 to February 1966.
Upon his return in March 1966, he established a Cardiac unit in Military Hospital Rawalpindi (now Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology-AFIC), contributing significantly to its success. Notably, in March 1970, this center performed Pakistan’s first successful open-heart surgery operation.
Academic and Institutional Leadership
Prof. Malik’s impact on the medical landscape continued as he joined the Institute of Post Graduate Medicine and Research, Dhaka (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in June 1970. Here, he played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the cardiac unit until June 1978.
As the founder Director cum Professor of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, from July 1978 to November 1989, Prof. Malik oversaw the institution’s growth and achievements. The institute marked a significant milestone by conducting Bangladesh’s first open-heart surgery on September 18, 1981.
Founder of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh
National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik’s visionary leadership extended to founding the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh in 1978. After retiring from government service in December 1989, he remained actively involved in the organization’s activities.
Multifaceted Roles and Recognitions
Currently serving as the founder and president of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, Prof. Malik holds various positions, including membership in the National Health Council and chairmanship of the academic council of the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute.
Beyond national borders, he served as the Vice President of the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology from 1994 to 1999 and contributed as a member of the Expert Panel Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Cardiovascular Disease from 1976 to 2000.
Awards and Recognition
Prof. Malik’s exemplary contributions to medical science and social work have earned him prestigious awards, including the ‘Sadhinata Padak’ (National Independence Award) in 2004 and the title of ‘National Professor’ in February 2006.
In addition to his professional achievements, Prof. Malik is an accomplished author, having penned six books in Bengali. His commitment to philanthropy is evident through the donation of book revenues to the charitable fund “The Lillah Fund” for the treatment of poor patients.
Personal Life
In his personal life, National Professor Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik finds joy and fulfillment. His wife, Mrs. Ashrafunnesa Khatun, is a dedicated social worker. Blessed with three children, including his eldest daughter, Professor Dr. Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, who follows in her father’s footsteps as a renowned interventional cardiologist, Prof. Malik’s legacy extends to the next generation.
A humble man, Prof. Malik attributes his accomplishments to selfless desire, action, and divine grace. His life’s work stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing cardiology in Bangladesh and improving the health and well-being of its people.
Patient-Centric Commitment
NHFBD is committed to making quality cardiac care accessible to all. With a focus on serving the community, the hospital extends free services to 30% of economically disadvantaged patients, contributing not only to improved health outcomes but also significant savings in foreign currency.
Comprehensive Medical Offerings
The hospital boasts state-of-the-art facilities, offering a diverse range of services, including:
- Out Patients Department (OPD): Addressing the diverse needs of patients seeking consultation.
- Emergency Services: Providing immediate care for heart patients.
- Coronary Care Unit (CCU) & Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Specialized units for critical cardiac cases.
- Cardiac Surgery: Conducting both closed and open-heart surgeries, including CABG on beating hearts.
- Prevention and Rehabilitation: Focused on holistic heart health through preventive measures and rehabilitation.
- Academic Activities: Offering postgraduate courses, certificate courses, and training programs for medical professionals.
Cardiology Test Prices at NHFBD:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Price Range: 500 – 1,500 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
2. Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Price Range: 2,000 – 10,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
3. Exercise Stress Test (EST)
- Price Range: 3,000 – 5,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
4. Holter Monitor
- Price Range: 5,000 – 8,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
5. Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Price Range: 10,000 – 20,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
6. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
7. Cardiac Catheterization
- Price Range: 25,000 – 50,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
8. Coronary Angiography
- Price Range: 30,000 – 60,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
9. Angioplasty
- Price Range: 100,000 – 200,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
10. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Price Range: 200,000 – 500,000 BDT
- Location: NHFBD, United Hospital
Upcoming Expansion
Responding to the growing demand for cardiac services, NHFBD is constructing a 15-story hospital building at Darussalam Road, Mirpur. Supported by the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, this expansion aims to provide modern facilities to an increased number of patients. The new building will house a dedicated 150-bed cardiac unit for women and children, expected to be operational by 2015.
Academic and Awareness Initiatives
NHFBD actively engages in academic activities, offering postgraduate courses and training programs for medical professionals. The institution is also involved in public education through mass media, creating awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their prevention.
Affiliated Bodies and Committees
NHFBD extends its reach across the country through 41 affiliated bodies, ensuring that cardiac care is accessible in different districts. Committees like the Hypertension Committee and United Forum Against Tobacco actively work on prevention and awareness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the best cardiac surgeon in Bangladesh?
There are many skilled and experienced cardiac surgeons in Bangladesh, and it is difficult to definitively say who is the “best.” However, some of the most well-respected cardiac surgeons in Bangladesh include:
- Prof. Dr. Farooque Ahmed, MBBS, MS (CTS), Professor & Chief Cardiac Surgeon at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHFH&RI)
- Prof. Dr. Mohammad Sharifuzzaman, MBBS, MS (CTS), Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the NHFH&RI
- Prof. Dr. M. Quamrul Islam Talukder, MBBS (DMU), FCPS (Surgery) MD (USA), FCVS (USA), Advance Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery (Mayoclinic, USA), Professor & Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at the NHFH&RI
Is the National Heart Foundation a government or private?
The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO). It was established in 1978 with the goal of preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh. The Founder of National Heart Foundation is Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik The NHF provides a range of services, including:
- Preventive cardiology programs
- Cardiac diagnostic and treatment services
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
- Research and education in cardiology
What is the cost of angiogram in Bangladesh?
The cost of an angiogram in Bangladesh can vary depending on the specific hospital and the complexity of the procedure. However, the average cost of an angiogram in Bangladesh is between 25,000 BDT and 50,000 BDT.
Who is a female cardiologist in Bangladesh?
There are many female cardiologists in Bangladesh. Some of the most well-respected female cardiologists in Bangladesh include:
- Dr. Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, M.B.B.S: Dhaka Medical College, September 1984, 7th Position in third Professional M.B.B.S. & 6th Position in Final M.B.B.S. held under the University of Dhaka.
- Dr. Salma Haque, MBBS, MD, FACC, FSCAI
- Dr. Syeda Mahbuba Sultana, MBBS, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Who is Asia’s best heart doctor?
There are many excellent heart doctors in Asia, and it is difficult to definitively say who is the “best.” However, some of the most well-respected heart doctors in Asia include:
- Prof. Dr. Masafumi Yamagishi, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan
- Prof. Dr. Yong-Bae Kim, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, President of the Korean Society of Cardiology
- Prof. Dr. Junbo Lu, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, Director of the Department of Cardiology at the Fuwai Hospital in China
Who is the No 1 doctor in Bangladesh?
It is difficult to definitively say who is the “No 1” doctor in Bangladesh, as there are many excellent doctors in the country. However, some of the most well-respected doctors in Bangladesh include:
- Prof. Dr. Pranab Kumar Karmakar, MBBS, MS, FCPS, DPhil, Professor of Surgery at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital
- Prof. Dr. Mamun-Al-Mahmood, MBBS, MD, FRCP(Ed), FACC, Professor of Cardiology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
- Prof. Dr. Sabina Faiz Rashid, MBBS, MD, FCP, FRCP(Ed), Professor of Medicine at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital
Who is the CEO and Founder of the Heart Foundation?
The current CEO and Founder of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh is Brig. (Rtd.) Abdul Malik. He founded NHFBD in 1978.
Who is the owner of the Heart Foundation?
The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh is a non-profit organization and does not have any individual owners. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from the healthcare community, the government, and the public.
Who funds the Heart Foundation?
The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh is funded by a variety of sources, including:
- Donations from individuals and corporations
- Grants from foundations and government agencies
- Revenue from the sale of services and products
- Fundraising events
Conclusion
In the heart of Dhaka, NHFBD stands as a beacon of hope and health, pioneering cardiac care in Bangladesh. As the institution continues to grow and expand its services, it remains dedicated to providing excellent cardiac care and contributing to the broader health landscape of the nation.
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