Ensuring distribution of hypertension drugs from community clinics can play a major role in fighting against the Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in grassroots level, says experts.

The experts came up with the statement while speaking at a journalists’ workshop titled ‘Hypertension Control in Bangladesh’ held at BMA Bhaban in Segunbagicha of the capital on Monday.

The workshop was organized by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

 Twenty-four journalists working in print, television and online media participated in the workshop.  

The government has recently taken a landmark decision to include the medicine for hypertension in the drug list of Community Clinic to combat hypertension. 

The experts said quick implementation of the decision of distribution of the hypertension drugs is essential to effectively control the growing prevalence and death from hypertension-related non-communicable diseases nationwide. 

At the same time, necessary budget must be allocated to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the medicine at Community Clinic and Upazila Health Complex, the added. 

Md. Zakir Hossain, Deputy General Manager (Sales & Marketing) of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) said the government will ensure availability of hypertension medicine in Community Clinics from the upcoming fiscal year.

Dr. Malay Kanti Mridha, Professor of Public Health and Director of the Center for Non-Communicable Disease and Nutrition at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health said, “Dietary and lifestyle modifications must be integrated into daily routine to keep hypertension under control.”

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA also spoke at the event.