|
BIRDEM (Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation
in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders) a multi-sectoral
health care delivery centre founded by National Professor mohammad
ibrahim in Dhaka in 1980. Comprehensive diabetic health care
services of the diabetic
association of bangladesh (DAB) is provided at this institute.
It is the central institute of DAB, accommodated in three large multi-storied
buildings, wherein a modern sophisticated cardiac centre has also been
established.
The hospital, housed in a 15-storied building now has 542 beds,
of which about 80 are free for poor diabetic patients. On an average
about 2500 diabetic patients come and have their check-ups everyday.
It is the largest health complex in Bangladesh, with almost all
types of clinical and diagnostic facilities.
|
|
BIRDEM Hospital,
Dhaka |
Extensive research activities on endocrinology, metabolism,
clinical pharmacology, immunology, epidemiology, etc are conducted here.
Special research on anitdiabetic properties of medicinal plants is also
done. Advanced laboratory investigations, such as Radioimmunoassay (RIA),
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), tissue culture, and karyotyping
are performed. These activities are conducted in collaboration with different
national and international research organisations.
The clinical services of BIRDEM provide comprehensive
diabetic care free of charge to all the registered diabetic patients irrespective
of economic and social status. The patients are entitled to get free medical
supervision, consultations, diabetic education (which includes basic knowledge
on overall health), advice on nutrition, social support, and rehabilitation,
if necessary. Insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and medicines are supplied
free or at subsidized cost to those who are in need. The in-patients departments
have taken the characteristics of almost a general hospital, although
diabetic and other endocrine patients are always given priority.
In 1986, BIRDEM Academy was established with a view to producing adequate qualified manpower on Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism (DEM) for not only BIRDEM, but also for all other medical institutions in the country. The Academy conducts courses for diplomas and degrees such as MPhil, MD and PhD in DEM under the bangabandhu sheikh mujib medical university.
In 1982, BIRDEM was recognised as a 'WHO Collaborating
Centre for Developing Community Oriented Programme for Diabetes Prevention
and Control'.
[Siddique Mahmudur Rahman]
|
