Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today urged people not to ignore any warning signs or symptoms of heart disease, stressing that public awareness is crucial to preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases.
“Most people die from heart disease among non-communicable diseases. So, there is no alternative to raising awareness for preventing and controlling heart disease,” he said while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at the Hotel InterContinental in the capital.
The Bangladesh Cardiac Society organised the discussion with its Convener Professor Dr Mohammad Shafiuddin in the chair to mark the World Heart Day 2026, said a press release.
Sakhawat said people are aware of the importance of health awareness, but often fail to put that awareness into practice in their daily lives.
“This tendency is particularly risky in the case of heart disease,” he said, urging people to seek medical advice promptly instead of ignoring any warning signs or symptoms related to the heart.
The minister said public awareness is equally important for the prevention and control of all types of diseases, both communicable and non-communicable.
Describing physicians as the noblest members of society, Sakhawat said after the Creator, doctors are the trusted source of support for people in times of distress.
“From the coronavirus pandemic to dengue and various natural disasters, doctors and health workers have remained engaged in serving people without thinking about their own lives and safety,” he said, adding that their humanitarian and professional commitment is exemplary for the people of the country.
Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Professor Dr. Nazmul Hosain and Assistant Personal Physician to the Prime Minister Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir attended the programme, among others, as special guests.
Dr A F Khabir Uddin Ahmed supervised the overall arrangements.
Earlier, the minister formally inaugurated World Heart Day by releasing balloons at the premises of the BMU Super Specialized Hospital and participated in a rally organised marking the day.
