Cancer, kidney patients receive govt grants at hospitals

City Desk:

Patients of six types of non-communicable diseases, including cancer and kidney, are receiving grants from the Ministry of Social Welfare while sitting in the hospital.

The ministry gave nearly Tk 300 crore in grants to patients in this sector in the last one year. Each patient received a one-time grant of Tk 50,000, states BSS.

In the 2024-’25 fiscal year, the ministry provided financial assistance for patients of six major non-communicable diseases, including cancer, kidney, liver cirrhosis, paralysis due to brain stroke, congenital heart disease and Thalassemia.

Through the Department of Social Services, 45,000 patients in 64 districts were provided Taka 225 crore assistance to this end. Direct assistance was provided through the ministry, and 15,000 patients were given Tk 75 crore.

A total of 60,000 people have been provided financial assistance through the Support Services for Vulnerable Groups (SSVG) project.

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare started its journey in 1972 after the independence. Later, in 1989, the Ministry of Social Welfare emerged as a completely separate ministry under a single name.

When the fascist Sheikh Hasina fled in the mass uprising in July last year, an interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed.

Currently, Sharmeen Soneya Murshid popularly known as Sharmeen S Murshid is serving as the adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare. She assumed office on August 9, 2024.