17 radiotherapy machines coming to expand cancer treatment: Health Minister 

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken an initiative to make cancer treatment more accessible and expand services across the country, with 17 radiotherapy machines being brought to Bangladesh, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said.

The minister disclosed the information at a press briefing held at his ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat on Wednesday. Health Services Division Secretary Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid among other officials were present.

Sakhawat Hossain said six of the 17 new radiotherapy machines would be installed in Dhaka and 11 outside the capital. This would allow cancer patients to receive treatment at lower costs in their respective areas and reduce pressure on Dhaka.

He said the government was focusing on expanding cancer treatment outside Dhaka while increasing the use of modern technology.

It has also taken an initiative to introduce robotic surgery services in the country. Of the 10 robotic surgery machines planned based on demand, five are expected to be brought in this year.

Speaking about the year-round family planning campaign, the health minister said the programme would run nationwide from December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2027. Alongside field-level awareness campaigns, contraceptives and necessary counselling would be delivered to households.