Dr. Matiur Rahman :
Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter was a renowned pediatrician who worked tirelessly for almost three decades of her life for newborn babies. She pioneered the nation’s newborn screening test program, which tests babies for certain genetic diseases soon after birth.
Newborn screening tests are an essential branch of genomic medicine, helping to detect some hereditary severe diseases in babies soon after birth. These diseases include phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, and adrenal cortical hyperplasia (CAH). If these diseases are detected and treated early in children’s lives, they can live healthy and long lives.
Dr. Shahida was instrumental in establishing and implementing Bangladesh’s newborn screening test program. She worked to raise awareness of the importance of the program and ensure its widespread implementation. As a result of her tireless efforts, the newborn screening test in Bangladesh has become a national-level program, saving the lives of millions of children every year. She was known as “Children’s Friend” among children for her humane attitude and compassion.
Three years ago today, on the evening of May 1, 2021, our beloved personality, Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter, passed away. After fighting cancer for several months, she died at her residence on Fuller Road, a residential area of Dhaka University. Her death created an irreparable void in the medical field of the country.
Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter was an accomplished teacher, researcher, and humanitarian physician. She devoted most of her life to teaching students and improving medical care. As a teacher, she was very popular and respected by her students.
Dr. Shhida Akhter was born in 1961 in Boalmari of Faridpur district. She impressed everyone with her extraordinary talent and achievements at every stage of her academic career. She obtained an MBBS degree from Sir Salimullah Medical College in 1984. It should be noted that she was a student of the fifth batch of this college.
After obtaining the MBBS degree, Dr. Shahida Akhter received her FCPS degree from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons. She also undertakes various advanced training courses for professional development.
Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter was a renowned paediatrician who devoted most of her life to the health and welfare of children. She served as a pediatrics Prof at Ibrahim Medical College and Hospital and as head of the neonatal unit at BIRDEM General Hospital for a long time. She remained there as a dedicated pediatrician until her retirement.
Besides Ibrahim Medical College and BIRDEM Hospital, Dr. Shahida Akhter has worked in various famous organisations. Notable among these are Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (Assistant Surgeon, In-Service Trainee); Dhaka Children’s Hospital; IPGMR (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University); Dr. Kashems Clinic and Hospital, Kushtia; University of Dhaka (Lady Doctor), etc.
Dr. Shahida Akhter received intensive training on Acute Respiratory Infections in Children, Asthma, Breastfeeding Practices, Essential Neonatal Care, Resuscitation at Birth, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), Early Childhood Development (ECD), Perinatal Death Audit (PNDA), etc. This knowledge and skills influenced her medical practice and established her as a reliable and skilled physician for children.
To contribute to the improvement of the health and welfare of children, Dr. Shahida Akhter did not limit herself to treatment only. Her research work was also notable in the subjects mentioned above. Her research findings have contributed to children’s health care and treatment.
Apart from medical research, she was a conscious social researcher. Attended various scientific conferences in the country and abroad and presented original research papers. She has authored over 50 original research papers presented and published in seminars/workshops at home and overseas.
In addition to children’s health issues, Dr. Shahida Akhter’s interest was also in acute respiratory infections, endocrinology, and genomics. She has also worked on economic medicine, maternal and child mortality and morbidity, child health, nutrition, reproductive health, family planning, social dimensions of health, arsenic mitigation in Drinking water filters, etc.
Dr. Shahida Akhter was a dedicated social worker.
She has stood by this country’s poor and helpless people through various social service works. Her leadership skills were also remarkable. She was president-elect of the Bangladesh Pediatric Association (died before assuming office). She also served as the elected vice president of the association.
Besides, she was elected Vice President of the Bangladesh Neonatal Forum, Life Member of the Bangladesh Medical Association, Elected Member of the Executive Council of the Bangladesh Perinatal Society, Life Member of the Bangladesh Asthma Association, Life Member of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, Life Member of Diabetic Association, Life Member of Young Diabetic Welfare Society. She actively participated in these organisations and led and advanced pediatric medicine in this country.
Dr. Shahida Akhter’s personal life was rich and fulfilling. She married a renowned researcher and Prof of Economics, Abul Barkat. She was not only a wife but also a companion, friend, and colleague. They have three daughters.
Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter was a humane and humble personality. Patients, students, colleagues – she was respected and loved by all. She was an inspiring teacher who inspired her students and helped them become better doctors.
“Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter: Life of a Pediatrician,” published in 2023 under the editorial guidance of Prof Dr. Abul Barkat, unveils the remarkable journey of a pioneering figure in pediatrics.
Through the pages of this autobiography, readers are invited into the life of Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter, her dedication to healing children, her contributions to medical research, and her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare systems. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the profound impact that passion, perseverance, and compassion can have on the lives of others.
Although Prof Dr. Shahida Akhter is no longer among us, her contribution and memory will remain forever in our hearts. As a skilled pediatrician, dedicated teacher, and humanitarian, we forever remember her. We all pray for her soul to rest in peace.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).
