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A bone marrow transplant replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow -- the soft tissue inside bones -- with healthy stem cells. These can come from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant).
The treatment is used for several types of blood cancer, aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia, and other related disorders.
Bangladesh’s first BMT unit was established in October 2013 at DMCH’s new building, following the model of Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital.
However, the procedure was suspended when the new building was turned into a dedicated Covid hospital in May 2020. Although briefly resumed in 2023, many essential machines were non-functional, and a high infection rate forced another suspension, doctors said.
So far, 60 bone marrow transplants have been carried out at the hospital -- 55 autologous and five allogeneic -- with only two unsuccessful cases, according to a doctor from the unit.
NEED AND TREATMEMNT COST
Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum inaugurated and visited the renovated unit yesterday, expressing hope that BMT services would soon resume at a relatively low cost.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Abu Jafor said around 1,000 patients need bone marrow transplants annually in Bangladesh. However, public and private facilities together can handle only around 200 cases a year, he said, adding that priority would be given to children.
Dr Kamrul Hasan, head of the Haematology Department and the BMT unit, said preparations have begun, with the unit capable of performing 50 to 60 transplants annually across its five beds.
He said costs vary depending on the type of transplant and the patient’s condition. Autologous transplants may cost Tk 5 lakh to Tk 7 lakh, while allogeneic ones may cost Tk 12 lakh to Tk 15 lakh. In private hospitals, the same procedure costs around Tk 15 lakh, compared to Tk 20 lakh to Tk 1 crore abroad.
Asked about challenges, Associate Professor Dr Mafruha Akter, who has been involved in 52 transplants, said apart from financial constraints, training doctors and nurses is crucial.
“A multidisciplinary approach is also important, as these patients need care for other complications. Standardising the unit will also be key,” she said.
Currently, 16 trained nurses work in the unit, said nurse-in-charge Sara Mukti Das.
Prof Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the health ministry, said trained doctors from Chittagong Medical College Hospital and Mitford Hospital will be brought to the unit.
He said the government will establish a fund for the unit, covering part of the transplant cost, while the rest will be borne by patients.
Farewell to a beloved
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Speaking on behalf of the family, his sister, Syeda Sattar Baby, said, “We spent the last eight day-nights at the hospital. The love I saw from his students and admirers made me feel that my brother was not only a great teacher but also a beloved soul to many. For that, I express my gratitude on behalf of our family.”
Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury, remembering his former student and colleague, said, “Manzoor was a brilliant student who began teaching early. His connection with literature was unique. He received several awards, all of which he truly deserved. He was a rare human being, completely free of arrogance.”
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, “Dhaka University has lost one of its finest teachers today. Manzoor bhai was not only a teacher and writer but also an extraordinary human being. He was respected for his wisdom, humility, and integrity. Many hoped for a miracle, but his time to leave had come.”
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who lived next door to him on Fuller Road, said, “He had a smile that could only come from a pure heart. It was his signature. Despite our political differences, I always admired his honesty and integrity. He was immensely knowledgeable and deeply loved. His death is an irreparable loss.”
Photographer Shahidul Alam said, “In 2018, when the government exerted pressure on me, Pathshala, and Drik, he took the burden upon himself to shield us. Later, when the authorities tried to manipulate our governing body, he used his influence to free us from that difficult situation.”
From the Shaheed Minar, his body was taken to Dhaka University Mosque, where his namaz-e-janaza was held after the Zohr prayers. Later in the afternoon, he was laid to rest at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Mirpur.
Manzoorul, 74, breathed his last while undergoing treatment at LabAid Hospital in Dhaka on Friday.