The Stethoscope team recentlyinterviewed Prof. Dr. Kamrul Hassan Tarafder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Prof. Dr. Kamrul Hassan Tarafder MBBS, FCPS, FICS, FACS, is currently the Chairman of the department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery. He is also the President of Society of Otolaryngologists and Head Neck Surgeons of Bangladesh and the Associations of Phonosurgeons of Bangladesh. We talk with Prof. Tarafder on the eve of 10th SAARC ENT Congress. A brief account of our time with him is given below:

Stethoscope:
Sir, we’re happy to know that Bangladesh will be the host of 10th SAARC ENT Congress under the leadership of you and your team. Could you please tell us something about SAARC ENT Congress?

Prof. Tarafder:
Bangladesh had the privilege of organizing the inaugural 1st SAARC ENT Congress back in 1998, 6th SAARC 2008 and now Bangladesh will have the honour of organizing 10th SAARC ENT Congress on her own turf once again. Initially the goal was to share the knowledge among the specialists from this region but now in this age of globalization the ambition is much bigger.

Our goal is to bring world class renowned ENT surgeons, from all over the world, in our event so that the knowledge can transcend all the barriers and reach out to great number of surgeons participating in the conference, who have the potential of creating a difference in the lives of ten others.

This congress is intended to provide a proper platform for the exchange of best medical practices implemented in the field of ENT and we believe it will provide enriching experience for all of our participants.

Considering the common demographics and disease pattern seen in the South Asian region, a few eminent ENT surgeons from SAARC countries under the leadership of Prof. Dr. M.  Allauddin of  Bangladesh along with other ENT Surgeons of SAARC countries met together to establish the SAARC Association of Otolaryngologists.

ENT surgeons of highest eminence will be conducting academic sessions. Participants will have the opportunity of gaining knowledge in the form of scientific sessions, lectures, panel discussion, and video presentations. In addition to the knowledge being generated from these sessions, the congress will provide a good forum for doctors to build a good relationship among each other and strengthen old ties.
All over the world Otolaryngology as a specialty has progressed very rapidly during the later half of the last century especially during the last quarter. Similar is the case with Bangladesh. But as usual this wave of development has reached Bangladesh rather later than other parts of the world.

As a result at the time of liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 there were only a few ENT specialists engaged mostly in traditional ENT works and now this specialty has expanded tremendously with very good number of young and bright doctors coming into the field. In Bangladesh, now the whole lot of Head Neck Surgeries and Micro-ear Surgeries are being done routinely in many institutes and even in private clinics.

Stethoscope:
Sir, in recent years, Bangladesh has made tremendous successes in health sector. In recent time,  some rare and successful medical interventions have been performed in BSMMU and other medical institutions in Bangladesh.  In ENT, what are the progresses that could be mentionable and should inform to the people?

Prof. Tarafder:
Recent advances in ENT have been considerable. Image guided surgery and cochlear implants are the new treatments provided at BSMMU for people suffering from various forms of deafness and for children born deaf. Laryngeal surgery is also being performed for patients with voice disorders or problems of the vocal cords. 90% of such patients who used to travel to neighbouring countries for deafness and voice disorders are now able to avail these advanced treatment regimens in Bangladesh.  

The ‘Journal Club’ is an academic event which takes place every week in BSMMU. During this event, students of various residency courses like FCPS,  MS and MD are required to present and participate in open discussion on research articles from peer reviewed journals of the world. Morning sessions, academic sessions and case presentations are held regularly. Fully equipped Operation Theatres are also functioning round the clock to serve patients at BSMMU.

Stethoscope:
Sir, we’ve come to know that you’re the chairman of ENT Department of BSMMU and also  you’re the president of Society of Otolaryngologists and Head-Neck Surgeons of Bangladesh. Could you please tell us how ENT
services in Bangladesh can be improved?

Prof. Tarafder:
Neonatal screening methods to detect deafness in the newborn must be started sooner rather then later. Measles Mumps and Rubella [MMR] vaccine should be given to all women who are considering pregnancy in their near future. Audiology courses must be started in medical colleges and universities in under graduate and post graduate levels.

Hearing aids in our country are very expensive as they must always be imported from foreign lands. Impetus to start an industry for low cost hearing aids is now a requirement and we need government help. Training courses and refresher courses for medical assistants, paramedics and nurses must start without further delay.

A study done by supported by WHO and conducted by the Society of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgeons of Bangladesh shows that, 3% of the total population of Bangladesh is born deaf and 10% of the population suffers from some level of hearing loss.

From the Society of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgeons of Bangladesh, students at post graduate levels are sent to UK, India, USA and Singapore for higher training.  

Stethoscope:
 Are you involved in any humanitarian activities outside your involvement in BSMMU?

Prof. Tarafder:
I, along with, 50-60 of my specialist colleagues, frequently arrange and participate in free medical camps in Habigonj every year under the ‘Nasiruddin Tarafder Memorial Foundation’ which was founded by me in my father’s name. As many as 8000 to 10,000 patients are given free
consultation, treatment and
medication.

Many minor procedures in paediatrics and gynaecology are done during these camps totally free of charge.  This foundation is supported by zaakat donations, which in turn provides financial sustenance to poor patients suffering from cancer.