The World Asthma Day was observed across the country as elsewhere in the world with a call to give up smoking and reduce environment pollution to get away from diseases.

An art competition from children, an essay contest for medical students, a two-day workshop, colourful rallies and processions were organised to observe the day.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Khandkar Mosharraf

Hossain inaugurated the programmes of the day at a function organised by Asthma Association of Bangladesh (AAB) at a local hotel in the city.

The minister said the number of asthma patients has been increasing due to environment pollution and detrimental effects of smoking and its related other causes. There are al least 70 lakh asthma patients in the country, he said.

He said the National Asthma Centre, which is being constructed

adjacent to the Chest Hospital in the city, would be commissioned soon. Besides, respiratory units would be opened in all medical college hospitals while this felicities would be expanded to all other district level hospitals, the ministersaid.

Presided over by AAB President Professor Dr. Falauzzaman Khan, the function was also addressed by BSMU vice-chancellor Prof. M A Hadi, DG of Health Service Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman and AAB General Secretary Dr. Rashidul Hasan.