Bangladesh’s Kidney Pioneer Nears Historic Milestone Amid National Shortage
In the field of kidney treatment in Bangladesh, one name stands out: Professor Dr. Kamrul Islam, Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Kidney Diseases and Urology Hospital. This Friday, he is poised to reach a remarkable milestone—completing his 1,800th kidney transplant, all performed free of cost.
A recipient of the prestigious Independence Award, Dr. Islam shared on World Kidney Day that Bangladesh continues to face a severe gap between the demand and availability of kidney transplants. He cited key challenges including a shortage of skilled transplant professionals, high medication costs, legal hurdles, and low public awareness about cadaveric organ donation.
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According to Dr. Islam, approximately 10,000 patients in Bangladesh require kidney transplants annually, yet only 365 procedures are carried out—just 3.65% of the actual need. Research indicates that 96% of transplant recipients remain healthy after one year, but nearly half succumb within a decade, primarily due to infections, not kidney failure.
Bangladesh currently has an estimated 38 million kidney patients, with 40,000 dependent on dialysis. Dr. Islam stressed that post-transplant care is critical, likening it to caring for a child, as even minor infections can prove fatal.
Through his unwavering commitment and compassionate service, Dr. Kamrul Islam has saved thousands of lives, earning widespread respect as a symbol of medical excellence and humanity in Bangladesh.
