The Pharma World

ENDORSED BY

DGDA

ENT

CARE IN

BANGLADESH





CONTENTS

Volume 12 n No. 3 n september-october 2020 NEWS 5
NEW ARRIVALS
Chief Advisor
Prof. Dr. Abdul Ghani NEWS 21
Ex-Chairman, Dept of Pharmacy
University of Dhaka FIP NEWS 37
Advisor, International Affairs
Prof. Dr. Moshe Szyf INTERVIEW 25
GlaxoSmithKline & James McGill Professor PROF. DR. MD. ABU HANIF
Dept. of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
McGill University Medical School PROF. DR. M A MATIN 27
Montreal, Quebec Canada
Pharmaceutical Advisor PROF. DR. ALI ZAHEER AL-AMIN 31
Abu Nayeem Saifur Rahman
Medical Advisor PROF. KAMRUL HASSAN TARAFDER 35
Dr. R. M. Samiul Hasan
Media Advisor PROF. DR. S M KHORSHED MAZUMDER 39
Dr. Sajal Ashfaque
Dr. Farhad Uddin PROFESSOR DR. SHAIKH NURUL FATTAH RUMI 41
Dr. SMG Saklayen Russel
Editor PROF. DR. KHABIRUDDIN AHMED 47
Muhammad Masud
Executive Editor PROF. DR. A.F. MOHIUDDIN KHAN 49
S A Nadeem
Associate Editor ARTICLE 43
Sandip Kumar Saha PROF. BELAYAT HOSSAIN SIDDIQUEE 52
Business Editor
Md. Shahjahan DR. MD. ABU ZAFOR SADEK
Research Editor
Prof. Dr. Md. Moklesur Rahman Sarker FOCUS 45
M.Pharm, Ph.D
Assistant Editor RESEARCH UPDATE 50
Samina Arif
B.Pharm (Hons), M.Pharm, MBA IN DEPTH 59
Marketing Manager
Faisal Ahmmed RED ALERT 60
Marketing
Sanat Saha DRUG SAFETY 61
Editorial Assistants
Shinthia Shahnaz Islam, M.Pharm CAUTION 63
Circulation
Md. Sikander FREEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 65
Md. Bashar
Computer Graphics ARTIFICIAL INTELLEGENCE 66
Md. Aftabul Islam
Production DID YOU KNOW 67
Mati Ar Manush
Editorial/Business Office TECHNOLOGY 69
51, Kalabagan 1st Lane (Ground floor)
Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS 70
E-mail: [email protected]
Printing HEALTH TIPS 73
Image Printing & Packaging, 3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka.
Published by EXPORT 75
Muhammad Masud
51, Kalabagan 1st Lane (Ground floor) REGISTRATION RULES 76
Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh, Tel/Fax: +88 02 58155677
POST EVENT 79
IMPORTANT

Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information
given in this journal but no responsibility is accepted for any
error and/or omissions. Editor/publisher is not responsible in
any way for views/comments expressed herein.

04 THE PHARMA WORLD



06 THE PHARMA WORLD

ACME NEW ARRIVALS

Brand Name: Cleansol Brand Name: Hemojet
Generic Name: Isopropyl Alcohol Generic Name: Ferric Carboxymalt-
BP & Chlorhexidine Gluconate BP ose INN
Strength: Isopropyl Alcohol BP 70% Strength: 50 mg/ml (2 ml), 50 mg/
& Chlorhexidine Gluconate BP 0.5% ml (10 ml), 50 mg/ml (20 ml)
(50 ml, 250 ml) Dosage Form: Injection
Dosage Form: Hand Rub Solution Indications: Iron Deficiency Ane-
Indications: Disinfection of clean mia.
and intact skin & Pre-operative
surgical hand disinfection. Brand Name: Mayapill
Generic Name: Levonorgestrel
Brand Name: Defrol USP+Ethinyl Estradiol USP+Ferrous
Generic Name: Cholecalciferol BP Fumarate BP
Strength: 200,000 IU Strength: Levonorgestrel USP 0.15
Dosage Form: Injectable Solution mg, Ethinyl Estradiol UPS 0.03 mg
Indications: Bone related disor- & Ferrous Fumarate BP 75 mg
ders: Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Dosage Form: Tablet
Rickets, Diabetes, Hypertension, Indications: Oral contraceptive
Preeclampsia, Obesity, Depres- which prevents pregnancy.
sion, Infertility and Autoimmune
disease. Brand Name: Nutrum Kids
Generic Name: Multivitamin + Cod
Brand Name: Droscon liver Oil
Generic Name: Drospirenone USP + Dosage Form: Syrup
Ethinyl Estradiol USP Strength: 100 ml & 200 ml
Strength: Drospirenone 3 mg + Indications: Fulfill the nutritional
Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg requirement of growing children.
Dosage Form: Tablet
Indications: Contraception, Pre- Brand Name: Predimax
menstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Generic Name: Prednisolone BP
Endometriosis. Strength: 5 mg, 10 mg & 20 mg
Dosage Form: Tablet
Brand Name: EM-Pill Indications: Asthma & COPD, In-
Generic Name: Ulipristal Acetate flammatory and allergic disorders,
INN Rheumatoid Arthritis, Collagenosis
Strength: 30 mg and Blood Disorders & Lymphoma.
Dosage Form: Tablet
Indications: Emergency contracep- Aristopharma
tion within 120 hours (5 days) of
unprotected sexual intercourse or Brand Name: Apetiz
contraceptive failure. Generic Name: Megestrol Acetate
Dosage Form: Oral Suspension
Strength: Each ml suspension con-
tains Megestrol Acetate USP 40 mg.
Indications: For the treatment of
anorexia & cachexia

THE PHARMA WORLD 07

NEW ARRIVALS Brand Name: Jardimet® 5/500
Generic Name: Empagliflozin &
Brand Name: Ivactin Metformin Hydrochloride
Generic Name: Ivermectin BP Dosage Form: Tablet
Dosage Form: Tablet Strength: Empagliflozin 5 mg &
Strength: 6 & 12 mg Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
Indications: For the treatment of Indications: Jardimet is indicated for
scabis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, powerful A1C reduction with proven
filariasis caused by Wuchereria CV benefits of Empagliflozin in T2DM.
bancrofti and head lice.
Brand Name: Ivera® 6
Brand Name: Aristodox Generic Name: Ivermectin
Generic Name: Doxycyclin Dosage Form: Tablet
Dosage Form: Tablet Strength: Ivermectin BP 6 mg
Strength: 100 mg Indications: Scabies, Filariasis, stron-
Indications: For the treatment of gyloidiasis, Onchocerciasis & poten-
a variety of infections caused by a tial treatment option for COVID-19
wide range of Gram-negative and
Gram-positive bacteria. Brand Name: Ivera® 12
Generic Name: Ivermectin
Brand Name: Olpadin 7 Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Olopatadine Hy- Strength: Ivermectin BP 12 mg
drochloride USP Indications: Scabies, Filariasis, stron-
Dosage Form: Eye Drops gyloidiasis, Onchocerciasis & poten-
Strength: Olopatadine 0.7% tial treatment option for COVID-19.
Indications: For the treatment of
ocular itching associated with al- Brand Name: Odycin®
lergic conjunctivitis. Generic Name: Moxifloxacin
Dosage Form: Tablet
Brand Name: Capecitin Strength: Moxifloxacin 400 mg
Generic Name: Capecitabine USP Indications: Community acquired
Dosage Form: Tablet pneumonia, acute bacterial
Strength: 500 mg sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic
Indications: For the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases,
Adjuvant Colon Cancer, Metastatic uncomplicated and complicated
Colorectal Cancer & Metastatic skin and skin structure infections,
Breast Cancer. intra-abdominal disease.

Beximco Brand Name: Kinexa®
Generic Name: Rivaroxaban
Brand Name: Dynase® Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Azelastine HCl  & Strength: 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and
Fluticasone Propionate 20 mg Tablets
Dosage Form: Nasal Spray Indications: Atrial Fibrillation,
Strength:  Azelastine HCl 137 mcg & Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary
Fluticasone Propionate 50 mcg Embolism, Coronary Artery Disease
Indications: Relief of symptoms and Peripheral Artery Disease.
of moderate to severe seasonal &
perennial allergic rhinitis.

08 THE PHARMA WORLD



NEW ARRIVALS Brand Name: Kovicin®
Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine
Brand Name: Glipita® M XR 50/1000 sulfate
Generic Name: Sitagliptin + Metfor- Dosage Form: Tablet
min Hydrochloride Strength: Hydroxychloroquine
Dosage Form: Tablet sulfate 200mg
Strength: Sitagliptin 50mg + Met- Indications: Rheumatoid
formin Hydrochloride 1000mg Arthritis, Systemic lupus erythema-
Indications:  As an adjunct to diet tosus (SLE).
and exercise to improve glycemic
control in adults with type 2 diabe- Brand Name: Rostil Plus®
tes mellitus. Generic Name: Mebeverine Hydro-
chloride & Ispaghula Husk
Brand Name: Topita® 50 SR Tablet Dosage Form: Sachets
Generic Name: Tapentadol Hydro- Strength: Mebeverine Hydrochloride
chloride 135 mg & Ispaghula Husk 3.5 gm
Dosage Form: SR Tablet Indications: IBS-C, Constipation
Strength: Tapentadol Hydrochlo- with cramp.
ride 50 mg
Indications: Diabetic Peripheral Brand Name: Ogivri®
Neuropathy, Chronic Low Back Pain. Generic Name: Trastuzumab
Dosage Form: Lyophilized Powder
Brand Name: Topita® 100 SR Tablet for Injection
Generic Name: Tapentadol Hydro- Strength: 440 mg
chloride Indications: HER2+ Breast cancer.
Dosage Form: SR Tablet
Strength: Tapentadol Hydrochlo- Eskayef
ride 100 mg
Indications: Diabetic Peripheral Brand Name: Endosis
Neuropathy, Chronic Low Back Pain. Generic Name: Dienogest
Dosage Form: Tablet Strength: 2mg
Brand Name: NOMOS® Indication: For the treatment of
Generic Name: IR3535 (Ethyl butyl- Endometriosis
acetylaminopropionate)
Dosage Form: Cream Brand Name: H-Quin
Strength: 12.5% Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine
Effectiveness: Mosquito Repellent Dosage Form: Tablet
Cream, Prevention of Dengue, Strength: 200mg
Malaria, Chikungunya, Zika and Fila- Indication: Malaria, Systemic lupus
riasis by preventing Mosquito Bites. erythematosus.

Brand Name: Amdopril® Brand Name: Clix
Generic Name: Amlodipine Plus Generic Name: Clarithromycin
Perindopril Dosage Form: Film Coated Tablet
Dosage Form: Tablet Strength: 500 mg
Strength: Amlodipine 5 mg plus Indication: Pneumonia, Bronchitis,
Perindopril 5 mg COPD H. pylori infection
Indications: Hypertension with CAD

010 THE PHARMA WORLD

Brand Name: Ivacure NEW ARRIVALS
Generic Name: Ivermectin
Dosage Form: Tablet Brand Name: Resolax
Strength: 3mg & 6mg Generic Name: Prucalopride
Indication: Scabies, Strongyloidia- Dosage Form: Tablet
sis (rounworm infection) & Head Strength: Each film coated tablet
lice contains Prucalopride Succinate INN
equivalent to Prucalopride 1 mg.
Brand Name: Aladay® MAX Indication: Resolax is indicated for
Generic Name: Olopatadine 0.7% Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.
Dosage Form: Eye drop
Strength: 0.7% Brand Name: Onaxen
Indication: Ocular Conjunctivitis, Generic Name: Ondansetron
Ocular Itching, Red eye, Watery eye Dosage Form: Oral Solution
Strength: Each 5ml oral solution
Brand Name: HandiSanitizer contains Ondansetron Hydrochlo-
Generic Name: Isopropyl Alcohol ride USP equivalent to Ondanse-
Dosage Form: 200 mL Solution tron 4mg.
Strength: 75% Indication: Onaxen is indicated for
Indication: Antiseptic Topical Solution Prevention of nausea and vomiting
associated with highly emetogenic
Brand Name: HandiSafe cancer chemotherapy Prevention
Generic Name: Ethyl Alcohol of nausea and vomiting associated
Dosage Form: Topical Antiseptic with radiotherapy Prevention of
Solution post-operative nausea and vomiting.
Strength: 80% v/v
Indication: Hand Sanitizer Brand Name: Tofaxen
Generic Name: Tofacitinib Citrate
Brand Name: Emazid M INN
Generic Name: Empagliflozin and Dosage Form: Tablet
Metformin Strength: Each film-coated tablet
Dosage Form: Tablet contains Tofacitinib Citrate INN
Strength: Empagliflozin 5mg and equivalent to Tofacitinib 5 mg.
Metformin 500mg. Indication: Tofaxen is indicated
Indication: Type 2 diabetes for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic
Arthritis & Ulcerative Colitis.
Everest
Brand Name: Urtinex
Brand Name: Resolax Generic Name: Rupatadine Fuma-
Generic Name: Prucalopride rate BP
Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Form: Oral Solution
Strength: Each film coated tablet Strength: Each 5 ml oral solution
contains Prucalopride Succinate contains Rupatadine Fumarate BP
INN equivalent to Prucalopride 1mg. equivalent to Rupatadine 5 mg.
Indication: Resolax is indicated for Indication: Urtinex is indicated
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. for the symptomatic treatment of
seasonal and perennial allergic
rhinitis and urticaria.

THE PHARMA WORLD 011

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You name it … We have it…
GIVE US A CALL OR DROP US A LINE

ENRICH PHARMA Bangladesh Associate

Admin: Office: No. 31, G1, First Cross Street, THE PHARMA WORLD
Bharathi Nagar, Ambattur,
Chennai-600 053, India. 51, Kalabagan 1st Lane
Mob: +91 9941029505 Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected] http://www.thepharmaworld.com.bd/
www.enrichpharma.com https://www.facebook.com/thepharmaworld.journal
Tel: 88-02-58155677
Cell/Whatsapp: +88 0173 2525 445

Brand Name: Ostelin-D NEW ARRIVALS
Generic Name: Calcium & Vitamin D3
Dosage Form: Each tablet con- Brand Name: Xevlin
tains Calcium Carbonate USP Generic Name: Azithromycin
equivalent to 500 mg of elemental Dosage Form: Tablet & Powder for
Calcium & Cholecalciferol USP Suspension
equivalent to Vitamin D3 200 IU. Strength: Each 5 ml reconstituted
Strength: 500 mg+200 IU suspension contains Azithromy-
Indication: Ostelin-D is indicated cin Dihydrate USP equivalent to
for osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Azithromycin 200 mg.
fractures, pregnancy & lactation, Indication: Xevlin is indicated in
old age and postmenopausal Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Sinus-
women. itis, Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Otitis
Media, Skin and Soft Tissue Infec-
Brand Name: Obeliva tions, STDs.
Generic Name: Obeticholic Acid
Dosage Form: Tablet Brand Name: Roxtal XP 250
Strength: Each film coated tablet Generic Name: Cefuroxime & Cla-
contains Obeticholic Acid INN 5mg. vulanic Acid
Indication: Obeliva is indicated Dosage Form: Tablet
for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Strength: Roxtal XP 250: Each film
coated tablet contains Cefuroxime
Brand Name: Obeliva 10 Axetil USP equivalent to Cefurox-
Generic Name: Obeticholic Acid ime 250 mg & Diluted Potassium
Dosage Form: Tablet Clavulanate BP equivalent to Cla-
Strength: Each film coated tablet vulanic Acid 62.5 mg.
contains Obeticholic Acid INN 10 Indication: Indicated in Pharyngitis,
mg. Tonsillitis, Acute bacterial Maxillary
Indication: Obeliva is indicated Sinusitis, ABECB, Secondary bacte-
for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. rial infections of acute bronchitis,
CAP, Uncomplicated SSTI, MDR
Brand Name: Xevlin typhoid fever, Uncomplicated UTI,
Generic Name: Azithromycin Bone and Joint infection, Uncom-
Dosage Form: Tablet & Powder for plicated gonorrhea, Lyme disease.
Suspension
Strength: Each tablet contains Brand Name: Roxtal XP 500
Azithromycin Dihydrate USP Generic Name: Cefuroxime & Cla-
equivalent to Azithromycin 500 mg vulanic Acid
Indication: Xevlin is indicated in Dosage Form: Tablet
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Sinus- Strength: Roxtal XP 500: Each film
itis, Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Otitis coated tablet contains Cefuroxime
Media, Skin and Soft Tissue Infec- Axetil USP equivalent to Cefurox-
tions, STDs. ime 500 mg & Diluted Potassium
Clavulanate BP equivalent to Cla-
vulanic Acid 125 mg.
Indication: Indicated in Pharyngitis,
Tonsillitis, Acute bacterial Maxillary
Sinusitis, ABECB, Secondary bacte-

THE PHARMA WORLD 13

NEW ARRIVALS Indication: Evofix is indicated for
Upper and lower respiratory tract
rial infections of acute bronchitis, infections, Urinary tract infections,
CAP, Uncomplicated SSTI, MDR Gonococcal urethritis, Acute otitis
typhoid fever, Uncomplicated UTI, media, Typhoid and Paratyphoid.
Bone and Joint infection, Uncom-
plicated gonorrhea, Lyme disease. Brand Name: Zo-MUPS 20
Generic Name: Esomeprazole
Brand Name: Neuroxen Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Vitamin B1, B6 & B12 Strength: Esomeprazole 20 mg
Dosage Form: Tablet MUPS tablet.
Strength: Each tablet contains Thia- Indication: Management of GERD,
mine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) USP NSAID associated gastric ulcer, H.
100mg, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride pylori eradication (Triple therapy),
(Vitamin B6) BP 200 mg & Cyanoco- Zollinger Ellison Syndrome.
balamin (Vitamin B12) BP 0.2mg.
Indication: Neuroxen tablet is Brand Name: Wellkid
indicated for relevant B vitamins Generic Name: Multivitamin & Cod
deficiency, and neuropathic pain Liver Oil
(associated with Polyneuropathy Dosage Form: Tablet
of any origin such as age, dia- Strength: Vitamin
betes and alcohol neurotoxico- (A+B1+B2+B6+C+D+E), Nicotinamide
genesis), Neuritis, Neuralgia, & Cod Liver Oil.
Cervical Syndrome, Shoulder-arm Indication: Wellkid is indicated for
syndrome, Lumbago, Sciatica, growing children.
Myalgia, Intercostal neuralgia,
Trigeminal Neuralgia, Supportive Navana
treatment in facial paresis.
Brand Name: MicofunTM Oral Gel 15g
Brand Name: Evofix Generic Name: Miconazole BP 2%.
Generic Name: Cefixime Dosage: Oral
Dosage Form: Capsule Strength: Each gram oral gel con-
Strength: Evofix 200 mg: Each cap- tains Miconazole BP 20mg.
sule contains Cefixime Trihydrate Indications: Indicated for the
BP equivalent to Cefixime 200 mg. treatment of oral candidiasis and
Indication: Evofix is indicated for intestinal candidiasis.
Upper and lower respiratory tract
infections, Urinary tract infections, One Pharma
Gonococcal urethritis, Acute otitis
media, Typhoid and Paratyphoid. Brand Name: D-Shine
Generic Name: Cholecalciferol
Brand Name: Evofix Strength: 2000, 20000 & 40000 IU
Generic Name: Cefixime Dosage Form: Tablet & Capsule
Dosage Form: Capsule Indications: Vitamin D deficiency,
Strength: Evofix 400 mg: Each cap- Hypovitaminosis- D, Chronic kidney
sule contains Cefixime Trihydrate disease, Severe hypocalcemia in
BP equivalent to Cefixime 400 mg renal impairment, Osteoporosis &
Indication: Evofix is indicated for Prophylaxis of Osteoporotic fracture.
Upper and lower respiratory tract
infections, Urinary tract infections, Brand Name: Broklin
Gonococcal urethritis, Acute otitis Generic Name: Pregabalin
media, Typhoid and Paratyphoid. Strength: 50 & 75 mg
Dosage Form: Capsule
Brand Name: Evofix Indications: Management of
Generic Name: Cefixime neuropathic pain associated with
Dosage Form: PFS diabetic peripheral neuropathy,
Strength: Evofix PFS: After recon-
stitution each 5 ml suspension
contains Cefixime Trihydrate BP
Equivalent to Cefixime 100 mg.

14 THE PHARMA WORLD

Management of post-herpetic NEW ARRIVALS
neuralgia, Adjunctive therapy for
adult patients with partial onset Brand Name: R-Y Jelly
seizures, Management of fibromy- Generic Name: Glycerol
algia, Neuropathic pain associ- Dosage Form: Gel
ated with spinal cord injury. Strength: 11.25%
Indications: Indicated to enhance
Brand Name: Omazif the comfort and ease of inter-
Generic Name: Folic Acid & El- course, Vaginal Dryness
emental Zinc
Strength: 5 mg & 20 mg Brand Name: Stromec 6
Dosage Form: Tablet Generic Name: Ivermectin
Indications: This is indicated as Dosage Form: Tablet
prophylaxis and in the prevention Strength: 6 mg
of Zinc and Folic Acid deficiencies. Indications: Strongyloidiasis,
Onchocerciasis.
Brand Name: Omazif-CI
Generic Name: Carbonyl Iron, Folic Popular
Acid & Elemental Zinc
Strength: 50mg, 0.50mg & 22.50mg Brand: Doxibac
Dosage Form: Capsule Generic: Doxycycline
Indications: It is indicated for Dosage Form: Capsule
the treatment and prophylaxis of Strength: Doxycycline 100 mg
Iron, Folic acid and Zinc deficiency Indications: Pneumonia, SSTI,
especially during pregnancy and Ophthalmic Infection, Gastroin-
lactation. testinal Infections etc.

Pharmasia Brand: Favilar
Generic: Favipiravir
Brand Name: Sweet drops Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Sucralose Strength: Favipiravir 200 mg
Dosage Form: Solution Indications: Novel or re-emerging
Strength: 25% pandemic influenza virus infections
Indications: Sugar substitute for
diabetics & health conscious Brand: Hi-Vol
people. Generic: 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch
in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution.
Brand Name: Deep Heat Night Relief Dosage Form: Syrup
Generic Name: Methyl Salicylate + Strength: 500 ml
Menthol Indications: Indicated for the
Dosage Form: Cream treatment and prophylaxis of hy-
Strength: Each gram cream con- povolemia in adults and children.
tains Methyl Salicylate BP 300 mg
& Menthol USP 80 mg Brand: Imec
Indications: Joint Pain, Back Pain, Generic: Ivermectin
Arthritic Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Dosage Form: Tablet
Pain, Sprains & Strains Strength: Ivermectin 6 mg
Indications: Strongyloidiasis of the
Brand Name: Ezylife Kids’ intestinal tract and Onchocerciasis.
Generic Name: Sodium Picosulfate
Dosage Form: Oral Solution Brand: P-Zink
Strength: 5 mg/5ml Generic: Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate
Indications: Constipation Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: Zinc Sulfate Monohy-
drate 20 mg
Indications: Enhances body im-
munity, Prevents common cold &
flu, Prevents anorexia, Helps to

THE PHARMA WORLD 15

NEW ARRIVALS Brand Name: Famotack
Generic Name: Famotidine
heal wounds, Reduces the chance Dosage Form: Powder for Suspen-
of diarrhea and Inhibits replica- sion
tion of coronavirus Strength: 50 ml
Indication: Duodenal ulcer, Gastric
Brand: Laxopride ulcer, Gastro-esophageal reflux
Generic: Prucalopride disease and Zollinger-Ellison
Dosage Form: Tablet syndrome, Gastritis.
Strength: Prucalopride 1 mg &
Prucalopride 2 mg. Brand Name: Flemo
Indications: Chronic constipation, Generic Name: Undenatured Type
Gastroparesis. II Collagen
Dosage Form: Capsule
Brand: M-beg Strength: 40 mg
Generic: Mirabegron Indication: Severe Pain, Inflamma-
Dosage Form: Tablet tion, Some Degree of Disability
Strength: Mirabegron 25 mg & 50
mg ER tablet Brand Name: Zolivox
Indications: Urinary Urgency, Generic Name: Linezolid
Incontinence & Frequency. Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: 400 mg & 600 mg
Brand: Olmevas AM 5/40 Indication: Nosocomial pneumo-
Generic: Amlodipine & Olmesar- nia, Community acquired pneu-
tan Medoxomil monia, Skin and skin structure
Dosage Form: Tablet infections
Strength: Amlodipine 5 mg +
Olmesartan Medoxomil 40 mg Brand Name: Gigabac
Indications: Indicated for the Generic Name: Colistin (Colisti-
treatment of hypertension, alone methate Sodium)
or with other antihypertensive Dosage Form: IM Injection
agents. Strength: 1 M & 4.5 M
Indication: Bowel sterilization,
Square gastrointestinal tract infections,
respiratory tract infections
Brand Name: Revofer
Generic Name: Ferric Carboxy- Brand Name: Bilista 20
maltose Generic Name: Bilastine
Dosage Form: IV Injection Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: 500 mg & 700 mg Strength: 20 mg
Indication: Treatment of Iron De- Indication: Allergic rhino-conjunc-
ficiency Anemia in adult patients tivitis (seasonal and perennial),
who have intolerance of oral iron, Urticaria.
unsatisfactory response to oral
iron, non-dialysis dependent Brand Name: Hyponor
chronic kidney disease Generic Name: Norepinephrine
Dosage Form: Injection
Brand Name: D-balance Strength: 2 mg
Generic Name: Cholecalciferol Indication: For blood pressure
Dosage Form: Injection control in certain acute hypoten-
Strength: 200,000 IU sive states. As an adjunct in the
Indication: For the prevention treatment of cardiac arrest and
& treatment of Vitamin D de- profound hypotension
ficiency & associated diseases
like Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia,
Rickets, Fractures, Preeclampsia,
Eclampsia

16 THE PHARMA WORLD

Brand Name: Livacol 5 NEW ARRIVALS
Generic Name: Obeticholic Acid
Dosage Form: Tablet or locally recurrent non-small cell
Strength: 5 mg lung cancer (NSCLC) of adenocar-
Indication: Primary Biliary Chol- cinoma tumour histology after
angitis (PBC), Cholestatic liver first-line chemotherapy.
disease, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
Disease, Non-alcoholic Steato- Brand Name: Unifav
hepatitis Generic Name: Favipiravir
Dosage Form: Tablet
Brand Name: Square Zinc 20 Strength: 200 mg
Generic Name: Zinc Sulphate Indications: Influenza & Coronavi-
Monohydrate rus diseases.
Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: 20 mg Brand Name: Univer
Indication: Zinc deficiency Generic Name: Ivermectin
Dosage Form: Tablet
Brand Name: Relatro 25 Strength: 6 mg
Generic Name: Dantrolene Sodium Indications: Onchocerciasis, in-
Dosage Form: Capsule testinal strongyloidiasis& crusted
Strength: 25 mg scabies.
Indication: Muscle relaxation in
spasticity Brand Name: Oxaban
Generic Name: Rivaroxaban
Brand Name: Doxacil Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Doxycycline Strength: 10 mg
Dosage Form: Capsule Indications: Atrial fibrillation,
Strength: 100 mg strokes & deep venous thrombosis.
Indication: Acne, Rosacea & many
other infectious diseases Brand Name: HCQ
Generic Name: Hydroxychloro-
Brand Name: Cardi Q quine Sulfate
Generic Name: Ubidecarenone Dosage Form: Tablet
(Coenzyme Q10) Strength: 200 mg
Dosage Form: Soft gel Capsule Indications: Rheumatoid arthritis,
Strength: 50 mg & 100 mg juvenile idiopathic arthritis, discoid
Indication: Hypertension, Cardiac and systemic lupus erythematosus,
Failure, Skin problem, Myopathy. and dermatological conditions
caused or aggravated by sunlight.
UniMed UniHealth
Brand Name: Afexa
Brand Name: Nifev Generic Name: Fexofenadine
Generic Name: Nintedanib Dosage Form: Tablet & Suspension
Dosage Form:Soft Capsule Strength: 120mg, 180mg & 30
Strength: 100 mg & 150 mg mg/5ml
Indications: For the treatment Indications: Seasonal Allergic rhi-
of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibro- nitis, hay fever, chronic idiopathic
sis (IPF), for the treatment of urticarial & allergy.
chronic fibrosing interstitial lung
diseases (ILDs) with a progres- Brand Name: Budetide
sive phenotype, for the treatment Generic Name: Budesonide
of systemic sclerosis associated Dosage Form: Nebuliser Suspension
interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) Strength: 0.5 /2ml mg & 1mg/2ml
& combination with docetaxel for Indications: Persistent bronchial
the treatment of adult patients asthma, Very serious pseudo-
with locally advanced, metastatic croup (laryngitis subglottica) in
which hospitalisation is indicated.

THE PHARMA WORLD 17



Brand Name: Viscotin NEW ARRIVALS
Generic Name: Acetylcysteine
Dosage Form: Nebuliser Solution Brand Name: Cleanstar® Gold
Strength: 200 mg/ml Generic Name: Menthol+Thymol+E
Indications: COPD, emphysema ucalyptol+Methyl Salicylate
with bronchitis, chronic asthmatic Dosage Form: Mouthwash
bronchitis, asthma with bron- Strength:
chial mucus plugging, bronchitis, 0.042%+0.064%+0.092%+0.060%
bronchopneumonia, tracheobron- Indication: Bad Breath, Cavities,
chitis, bronchiolitis, pulmonary Gingivitis, Gum diseases, Oral
complications of cystic fibrosis, hygiene, Plaque, Teeth cleaner &
pulmonary complications associ- brighter.
ated with surgery.
Brand Name: Cleanstar® Cool Mint
Brand Name: Ipsavent Generic Name: Menthol+Thymol+E
Generic Name: Ipratropium and ucalyptol+Methyl Salicylate
Salbutamol Dosage Form: Mouthwash
Dosage Form: Nebuliser Solution Strength:
Strength: Ipratropium Bromide 0.5 0.042%+0.064%+0.092%+0.060%
mg &Salbutamol 2.5 mg/ 3 ml Indication: Dental Plaque, Gingivi-
Indications: reversible broncho- tis, Bad Breath
spasm associated with obstruc-
tive airway diseases in patients Brand Name: Oromax® Oral Gel
who require more than a single Generic Name: Miconoazole BP
bronchodilator. Dosage Form: Oral Gel
Strength: 2% w/w
White Horse Indication: Fungal infection of the
oropharynx and gastrointestinal
Brand Name: Carbiroid® tract.
Generic Name: Carbimazole BP
Dosage Form: Tablet Brand Name: Clovcare®
Strength: 5mg Generic Name: Clove Oil BP
Indication: Hyperthyroidism. Dosage Form: Mouthwash
Strength: 3gm/100ml
Brand Name: Neodin® Indication: Bad Breath, Tooth
Generic Name: Povidone-lodine Decay, Oral Thrush, Dental pain,
USP Inflammation of mouth and phar-
Dosage Form: Gargle & Mouthwash ynx.
Strength: 1% w/v
Indication: Acute mucosal infec- Ziska
tions of the mouth and pharynx,
oral hygiene prior to, during and Brand Name: Aparkin
after dental and oral surgery. Generic Name: Levodopa BP+
Benserazide BP
Brand Name: Cleanstar® Plus Dosage Form: Capsule
Generic Name: Eucalyptol + Men- Strength: 50/12.5mg, 100/25mg,
thol + Methyl Salicylate + Thymol 200/50mg
+ Sodium Fluoride Indications: For the effective man-
Dosage Form: Mouthwash agement of Parkinsonism
Strength: 92mg + 42mg + 60mg +
64mg + 20mg Brand Name: Favigan
Indication: Dental Cavity/Tooth Generic Name: Favipiravir
Decay, Bad Breath, Dental Plaque, Dosage Form: Tablet
Gingivitis. Strength: 200 mg
Indications: Treatment of novel or
re-emerging pandemic influenza
virus infections

THE PHARMA WORLD 19

NEW ARRIVALS Brand Name: Zincoral DT
Generic Name: Elemental Zinc USP
Brand Name: Dementa-D Dosage Form: Tablet
Generic Name: Memantine HCL+ Strength: 20mg
Donepezil HCL Indications: For Zinc deficiency,
Dosage Form: Capsule Maintenance of taste & smell,
Strength: 14/10 mg, 28/10 mg Hair loss, Rheumatoid arthritis &
Indications: Indicated for the infertility
treatment of moderate to severe
dementia of the Alzheimer’s type Brand Name: Chlorosol (Hand Rub
Solution)
Brand Name: Terbitac Generic Name: Chlorhexidine
Generic Name: Terbinafine HCL Gluconate & Isopropyl Alcohol
Dosage Form: Tablet, Cream Dosage Form: Liquid
Strength: 250 mg, 1%/10 g Strength: 250 ml
Indications: Fungal infection. Indications: Hand Rub Solution
for removing common pathogens
Brand Name: Reefcal Kit (disease-causing organisms)
Generic Name: Ibandronic Acid
150mg & Coral calcium 600mg Brand Name: Care –On (Antiseptic-
with Vitamin D3 400 IU Disinfectant Liquid)
Dosage Form: Tablet Generic Name: Chlorhexidine
Strength: 150 mg+ 600mg + 400 IU Gluconate + Cetrimide
Indications: Osteoporosis Dosage Form: Solution
Strength: 1000ml
Brand Name: Orocal Kit 740 Indications: Antiseptic-
Generic Name: Ibandronic Acid Disinfectant Liquid
150mg & calcium orotate 740mg
Dosage Form: Tablet Brand Name: Care–On Instant
Strength: 150 mg+ 740 mg Hand Sanitizer
Indications: Osteoporosis Generic Name: Ethyl Alcohol +
Isopropyl Alcohol
Brand Name: Eluxan 75 Dosage Form: Liquid gel
Generic Name: Eluxadoline INN Strength: 50 ml, 100 ml & 200 ml
Dosage Form: Tablet Indications: Hand Sanitizer for
Strength: 75 mg removing common pathogens
Indications: Irritable Bowel Syn- (disease-causing organisms)
drome with Diarrhea (IBS-D).
Brand Name: Care –On Antiseptic
Brand Name: Iverum Cream
Generic Name: Ivermectin Generic Name: Chlorhexidine
Dosage Form: Tablet Gluconate + Cetrimide
Strength: 6mg Dosage Form: Cream
Indications: Intestinal strongyloi- Strength: 30 gm
diasis, Onchocerciasis Indications: Antiseptic Cream.

Brand Name: Rotate 740 Team Pharma
Generic Name: Calcium Orotate
Dosage Form: Tablet Brand Name: Diafit
Strength: 740 mg Generic Name: Metformin Hydro-
Indications: Hypocalcemia chloride
Dosage Form: Tablet
Brand Name: Emurea 10 Strength: 500 mg & 850 mg
Generic Name: Urea 10 % Indication: Type-2 Diabetes
Dosage Form: Cream Mellitus.
Strength: 100 mg/g
Indications: Indicated for the
relief of rough, dry and anhidrotic
skin condition, eg. Ichthyosis,
Eczema, Psoriasis & Dermatitis.

20 THE PHARMA WORLD

NEW ARRIVALS

Brand Name: Temolina Brand Name: Vilip
Generic Name: Linagliptin Generic Name: Vildagliptin
Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: 5 mg Strength: 50 mg
Indication: Type-2 Diabetes Indication: Type-2 Diabetes
Mellitus. Mellitus.

Brand Name: Temglip Brand Name: Vercov
Generic Name: Glimepiride Generic Name: Ivermectin
Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Form: Tablet
Strength: 1 mg & 2 mg Strength: 6 mg
Indication: Type-2 Diabetes Indication: Scabies, Strongyloidiasis
Mellitus.
Brand Name: Gerdnil
Brand Name: Diaseal Generic Name: Dexlansoprazole
Generic Name: Gliclazide Dosage Form: Capsule
Dosage Form: Tablet Strength: 30 mg & 60 mg
Strength: 80 mg Indication: GERD, Heartburn,
Indication: Type-2 Diabetes Erosive Esophagitis.
Mellitus.
Brand Name: Linlid
Brand Name: Inteum Generic Name: Linezolid
Generic Name: Tiemonium Dosage Form: Tablet & PFS
Methylsulphate Strength: 400 mg, 600 mg & 100
Dosage Form: Tablet mg/5ml PFS
Strength: 50 mg Indication: Skin & skin structure
Indication: Gastroenteritis, infections, Diabetic foot infection,
Spasmodic dysmenorrhea. Nosocomial pneumonia.

SUCCESS STORY Complex angioplasty by Bangladeshi
doctor recognised as world’s best
Prof Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik
Complex angioplasty done by a The European Bifur-cation Club, an in-
cardiologist of National Heart ternationally renowned organisation,
Foundation Hospital and Re- works with the formulation of guide-
search Institute (NHFHRI) has got in- lines for the treatment of complex
ternational recognition as best com- coronary heart disease, research, and
plex angioplasty of the world. complicated angioplasty procedures.

In its continuation, the European Bi- Each year the organisation honours
furcation Club in the year 2020 award- three of the best complex angioplast-
ed an angioplasty procedure conduct- ies in the world. “This is a rare achieve-
ed by Prof Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, head ment and honour for Bangladesh. This
of the department of cardiology at Na- is the recognition of world class car-
tional Heart Foundation Hospital and diac intervention that is done in our
Research Institute as the best complex country,” National Professor Brig (Retd)
procedure performed in the world. Abdul Malik, founder of the National
Heart Foundation of Bangladesh said.
The two other procedures of com-
plex angioplasty those were per- National Heart Foundation of Bang-
formed in England and Japan were ladesh is a non-government, service
considered for second and third plac- oriented and non-profit organisation,
es respectively, by the international a specialised hospital for cardiac pa-
organisation, said the NHFHRI. tients and also a research institute. l

THE PHARMA WORLD 21

Pharmaceuticals Raw Materials
Packing Materials
Capital Machinery
Laboratory Furniture
Laboratory Equipments
Laboratory Consumables

NEWS

Square Pharma
Plans For
Massive
Expansion

DG Drug impressed by Bangladesh’s leading Pharma-
Incepta Vaccine Plant ceutical Company Square Phar-
maceuticals will invest tk 250
Incepta Vaccine Ltd has achieved The plant is equipped with many high crore to expand its production
capability of producing world-class standard equipment for producing capacity to meet the increasing
vaccine in term of infrastructure vaccines. demand for its products, both in
and Good Manufacturing Practice local & overseas market.
(GMP) standard, said. Maj Gen Mah- Besides, there is a big animal house
bubur Rahman, Director General of where various types of tests are being The money would be sourced
Drug Administration (DGDA), while done on animals. To execute all the from the company’s profits which
visiting the country’s first life-saving works related to the vaccine produc- have been declared as stock divi-
vaccine producing plant of interna- dend for the year ending on June
tional standard. “I think other countries can 30, 2020.
“I think other country can use use this plant too for
this plant too for producing vaccine producing vaccine during The bonus share has been de-
during this corona pandemic. this corona pandemic” clared out of accumulated profit,
Thus the company will play a big it said.
role for protection of people from tion, there are many foreign experts
coronavirus across the world,” and skilled pharmacists. The DG also Square Pharma Controls 17%
Rahman added. told that Incepta has the capability of of the TK 25,000 crore medicine
DGDA DG visited the plant at Zira- producing 180 million doses of vac- market of Bangladesh. The Bang-
bo, Savar recently. Deputy Director of cine annually. ladesh market has been growing
Drug Administration Md. Salauddin, by 15% each year, according to
Chief Operating Officer of INCEPTA Incepta started its production on BAPI.
Mahbubul Karim, Site Head Selim June 2011. So far, the company has
Barami and DGM (Administration) Za- successfully produced and marketed Square Pharma became the
hidul Alam of Incepta were also pre- 13 vaccines along with immunoglobu- country’s first company to start
sent during his visit. lin such as- Rabies, Rabies-IG, Hepa- exporting medicine in 1987. Now,
Established according to the GMP titis-B, Hepatitis-A, Typhoid, Tetanus, it exports drugs to 42 countries of
rules and regulations of World Health Tetanus-IG, Measles-rubella, Antiven- the world and has earned TK 149
Organization, the plants are being om etc., says the company press re- crore from drug exports in the
operated there on separate spaces. lease. l 2018-19 financial year.

The drug maker is going to
disburse Tk 397 crore among its
shareholders as cash dividend
this year. l

THE PHARMA WORLD 23

NEWS

Healthcare Pharma to invest
Tk 220cr in API plants

Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd (HPL) Halimuzzaman said the company stead of importing them from Roche,
is going to invest about Tk 220 crore would install European equipment at Switzerland and other local generic
($25.68 million) to establish large- the facilities to ensure manufacturing items for the domestic market. It now
scale active pharmaceutical ingredient of high-quality products. He expects produces more than 200 products.
(API) and formulation facilities to meet the unit to go into operation by 2022.
their growing demand in Bangladesh. There are about 10 local companies,
“We will take possession of the pro- including Eskayef, Square, Beacon and
The company will produce API and ject site this month and development Beximco, which produce API materials.
formulated pharma products at the work will start immediately.”
new manufacturing units to be estab- Local production can meet 5 to 6
lished on 30 acres of land at the Bang- In 1996, HPL set up its pharmaceuti- per cent of the annual demand for the
abandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar cal plant to produce the products in- raw materials from the pharmaceuti-
(BSMSN) in Chattogram. cal sector, which has grown in recent
years significantly.
Under the project, three facilities
will be set up on API, finished prod- Bangladesh spends about $1.3 bil-
ucts and biotech and its formulation lion each year to import APIs from the
and around 900 jobs will be created. US, Taiwan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Swit-
zerland, France and the UK. l

Beximco Pharma wins Acme set to
prestigious CPhI Awards 2020 enter US market

Beximco Pharma “We are delighted and honoured to Acme Laboratories is about to set foot
became the first get recognized for our pioneering in the US market with its generic drug,
in the world to role in providing access to break- Zolpidem, through contract manufac-
launch generic Remdesivir as Bem- through drug Remdesivir and other turing with a US company.
sivir. Beximco Pharmaceutical Ltd repurposed drugs during the Cov-
has been awarded the prestigious id-19 pandemic.“ “This is the first time we are going
CPhl Pharma Award 2020. to launch our product in the US mar-
The award was given under the “This award is a true testament ket,” said a senior official of the phar-
category “Innovation in Response to to the exceptional initiatives taken maceuticals company.
Covid-19”. by the Beximco Pharma team in
The other finalists in this catego- combating the impact of Covid-19 Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to
ry included world’s leading pharma on patients, healthcare profession- treat insomnia, for which more than 10
companies namely Catalent USA, als and communities”, he added. million prescriptions are filled in the
Aptar Pharma USA, Dr Reddy’s Lab- US each year with treatments com-
oratories India, Ridgeback Biother- Earlier this year, Beximco Pharma monly involving similar medication.
apeutics/Merck USA, MedPharm UK launched generic Remdesivir (under
and Crystec Pharma UK. the brand name Bemsivir) and since During the same year, the compa-
CPhI Pharma Awards are among then the company has been provid- ny’s exports grew 26.70 per cent to Tk
the most prestigious recognitions ing this drug free of cost to Govern- 65.16 crore from Tk 51.4 crore in fiscal
within the pharmaceutical industry ment designated Covid-19 hospitals 2017-18, according to its annual report.
judged by an esteemed panel of in Bangladesh.
industry experts from around the Acme’s began its international busi-
world. Beximco Pharma has also sup- ness back in 1995 by exporting various
Managing Director of Beximco plied Remdesivir to a number medicine to Bhutan. Now, the company
Pharma Nazmul Hassan, MP said: of countries on humanitarian exports drugs to more than 20 coun-
grounds. This act of kindness has tries in South Asia, South East Asia, Afri-
drawn positive attention and notes ca and Central America, according to its
of praise from around the world. l website. Acme currently produces over
500 products in different dosage forms
covering broader therapeutic catego-
ries, says the company press release. l

24 THE PHARMA WORLD

NEWS

Eskayef wins approval from EU
Regulator for Oncology Plant

Bangladesh’s leading drug manu- ard of the EU regulator. This recogni- She said Eskayef Oncology has
facturer Eskayef Pharmaceuti- tion will help their drugs enter the EU always been working with an aim to
cals Ltd has become one of a few and other countries. produce anti-cancer drugs, believ-
Asian companies to secure approval ing that treating cancer is possible if
from the prestigious regulatory body Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Bangla- world-class medicine is produced.
European Union Good Manufacturing desh Ltd Managing Director and CEO
Practice (EU GMP) to produce anti- Simeen Rahman said people often “We are committed to providing
cancer drugs. lose hope when diagnosed with can- world-class anti-cancer drugs at af-
Oncology Manufacturing Facil- cer. fordable prices,” Simeen said. “We
ity of Eskayef Pharmaceuticals is the have high-quality oncologists and
country’s first entity that has recently However, the disease can be treat- haematologists. Besides, we are
secured approval from the EU GMP, ed and a full recovery is possible with working to bring the latest technology
which is recognised by the 30 nations the right treatment, she said. for anti-cancer drugs to Bangladesh.”
of the EU and considered a passport
for entry to the global market. “But, most of the times treatment Medical scientists said Eskayef
Eskayef’s Oncology Manufacturing is quite expensive. We have seen that Pharmaceutical getting approval
Facility can now produce drugs to be families fall upon hard times trying to from the EU GMP is something that
injected and administered orally to ensure treatment for their loved ones. the country can be proud of. It will
treat cancer, maintaining the stand- That is why we always wanted a situa- clear any doubts that people may
tion that would allow a cancer patient have over cancer treatment in
to get world-class treatment at lower Bangladesh. l
cost in Bangladesh,” Simeen said.

Ambassador Brazil
lauds Eskayef
Pharmaceuticals’
world-class
facilities

The Ambassador of Brazil to Bangla- established to the standards similar COVID management, especially the
desh, Joao Tabajara de Oliveira Junior, to that of the first world countries. launching of Remdesivir was highly
visited the state-of-the-art manufac- He said, “The state-of-the-art manu- appreciated by the Ambassador.
turing facility of Eskayef Pharmaceu- facturing plant and its passionate
ticals Limited. professionals make Eskayef a world- Simeen Rahman mentioned,
class company here in Bangladesh. “Bangladesh and the whole world is
The ambassador was welcomed The pharmaceutical industry is one of facing an unprecedented challenge
by Simeen Rahman, Group CEO of the most promising export industries due to the coronavirus pandemic. At
Transcom Limited and Managing Di- in Bangladesh. And Eskaeyf has all the Eskayef, we have a firm commitment
rector and CEO of Eskayef Pharma- potentials to export generic pharma- to make every possible COVID-19
ceuticals Ltd. ceutical products to Brazil and other treatment available for the people of
countries of the world.” Eskayef’s Bangladesh. We will serve the people
He visited various units of Faraaz initiative and far-sighted vision for to the best of our abilities in these
Ayaaz Hossain Building where he was crucial times.” l
briefed about the world class tech-
nologies and operational excellence
of the manufacturing facility, accord-
ing to a company press release.

During the visit, the ambassador
was pleased to see the plant being

THE PHARMA WORLD 25



INTERVIEW

There is lack of well-equipped Operation
Theatres for ENT patients as well as
scarcity of well-trained surgeons

Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Hanif d. Routine and emergency opera- Compared to advanced
Director tions of ENT patients countries, where do we stand
 National Institute of ENT in treating ENT diseases?
Tejgaon, Dhaka e. Specialized surgical facilities for
ENT and Head- Neck cancer pa- There is lack of specialized institu-
As the Director of National Institute tients tional set ups for ENT patients and
of ENT, please tell us, in brief about as well as scarcity of well-trained sur-
your institute and its services? f. Multidisciplinary Tumour Board geons compared to developed coun-
National Institute of ENT began its weekly tries. However, there is rapid progress
journey in 2013 with a view to establish in developing manpower in the sector
Sound Hearing 2030 project. The Sound g. Otology clinic for Ear patients of ENT in recent times.
Hearing 2030 is a globally recognised weekly
program. The Goal of the SOUND HEAR- Do we have sufficient skilled
ING 2030 program is to reduce avoida- h. Pathological, biochemical, radiol- ENT Specialists in the country
ble hearing impairment to 50% by 2015 ogy and audiology Lab facilities to cater to our needs?
and 90% by the year 2030.  for evaluation of ENT patients.
Currently, we have approximately 700
Services provided by NIENT are as As an eminent ENT Specialist of registered ENT specialists for a popu-
follows: the country, would you please lation of 18 crores. The number is very
a. 24 hours Emergency services to tell us about the common ENT insufficient and when it comes to skilled
diseases prevalent in Bangladesh surgeons, the number will go down. So,
ENT patients.  and its management? we definitely need more trained skilled
b. Routine OPD consultation. surgeons, specially for Head & Neck
c. Inpatient management of ENT Common ENT problems can be classi- cancer surgeons to cope with our needs.
fied into inflammatory and neoplastic
patients diseases. Inflammatory diseases are Is there any research work on
sore throat, nasal obstruction, head- ENT going on in Bangladesh?
ache, earache and discharge from one
or both ears, Gland TB, allergic condi- Yes, research works are going on in
tions of nose and throat etc. These specialized hospitals like  National
usually require medical treatment and Institute of ENT, Dhaka Medical Col-
few cases require surgical intervention. lege, Sir Salimullah Medical College,
Shaheed Sohrawardi Medical College,
The neoplastic diseases include Institute of Neuro Science Hospital
cancers of Head and neck region eg- etc. But the number of ongoing re-
carcinoma of Larynx, tongue, thyroid, searches should be increased accord-
oral cavity and buccal mucosa and ing to population needs.
malignancy of nose and paranasal
sinuses. These cases require surgical Do you think that the quality of
intervention in almost every case. the drugs produced by our local
pharma companies are good
How are the facilities available enough for ENT diseases?
in Bangladesh for management
of ENT diseases? Yes, I think local pharma products are
quite good to serve the needs of ENT
Now a days facilities are available in patients but there is scope to improve
almost all tertiary care institutions but further. But, cancer diseases cannot be
with limited resources. There is lack of treated only by drug as it also needs
well-equipped Operation theatres for Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy. l
ENT patients and as well as scarcity
of well-trained surgeons. All over the
country the patient burden of head and
neck cancers are increasing day by day.

THE PHARMA WORLD 27



INTERVIEW

Now, we provide same standard of treatment to
ENT patients as Doctors of advanced countries do

Prof. Dr. M A Matin As an eminent ENT specialist of pharyngitis, laryngitis, we should
DLO (Eng), FRCS( Edin), FRCS( Eng), the country, would you please avoid cold food and smoking. We can
FRCS (Glasg) tell us about the common ENT wear face mask to prevent dust and
Professor and Head of ENT & HNS disease prevalent in Bangladesh? in this corona pandemic, it is man-
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College datory to wear face mask. We could
& Hospital, Dhaka To make it easily understandable to avoid allergy food and grass pollens,
the general public, I would answer pets to prevent allergic rhinitis. To
your question on the basis of age of prevent oral cavity cancer and head
the patient. For the children group, Neck cancer, we must avoid chewing
common ENT problems are recurrent betel nuts, smoking and alcohol. As
throat and ear infection alongwith na- incidence of thyroid cancer is increas-
sal obstruction, mouth breathing that ing now-a-days, so in endemic areas
is adenotonsillitis and recurrent otitis we should consume iodine contained
media. Apart from that, deafness in salt. We could also improve our hous-
children and foreign bodies in nose ing sanitation and avoid taking bath
are also prevalent. In adult and other in infected ponds and river to prevent
age group, thyroid problems are in- tonsillitis and otitis media.
creasing now a days .In a recent study
of thyroid swelling done by me pub- Is there any ENT diseases
lished in a journal of USA, it is found related to Covid-19?
that about 32.8% of thyroid swelling
after biopsy revealed thyroid cancer Very good question. As we know,
and out of that 92% are papillary thy- the mode of transmission of Covid
roid cancer. Other head Neck cancer 19 is by droplet and entry point is
are also common like check cancer, through the nose and mouth and
tongue cancer and laryngeal cancer. rarely through the eyes. So, most of
Other common problems we face at the symptoms of Covid 19 are simi-
out patient clinics are chronic phar- lar to ENT symptoms like cough,
yngitis, allergic rhinitis and chronic sore throat, fever, loss of smell, loss
otitis media. of taste. All of these symptoms could
confuse with acute tonsillitis, acute
What are the common ENT pharyngitis, nasal allergy acute lar-
diseases people face in winter? yngitis. Even without any cough or fe-
ver, Covid -19 can occur with sudden
As we know, in winter upper respira- loss of smell or taste.
tory tract infections are very common
causing viral tonsillitis, pharyngitis, What are the facilities
flue, sinusitis, otitis media and lar- available in Bangladesh for
yngitis. Initial respiratory syncytial management of ENT diseases?
virus, adeno-virus, rhinovirus are also
common organisms in winter, which Management of ENT diseases de-
initially attack us and later bacterial pends on availability of ENT spe-
invasion occurs. cialists, adequate Instrumental and
theatre facilities, staff patterns and
Is there any preventive medical support. Around 800-900
measures to get rid of this? ENT specialists are working around
every cities, districts and upazilla
Yes, indeed. To prevent dust, cold and levels both in Government and pri-
allergy borne diseases like chronic vate sectors. Most of the doctors

THE PHARMA WORLD 29



INTERVIEW

are well trained through frequent at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical  WHO has estimated more
courses, seminars ,workshops, con- College, Dhaka Medical College, Sir than 340 million children
ferences both at home and abroad. Salimullah Medical College, BSMMU, and adolescents ages 5-19
There are good instrumental sup- NIENT , Bangladesh Medical College are overweight or obese, and
port including endoscopic sinus in- etc and our doctors are attending the epidemic has been linked
struments, operative microscopes, different workshops both at home to more deaths worldwide
microlaryngeal instruments both at and abroad. They are now much than those caused by being
Govt. and private medical colleges competent to treat all sorts of ENT underweight.
and some district general hospitals. patients with full confidence. For
the last couple of years, Cochlear  The number of overweight
So, in short, there are adequate implant started in Bangladesh with or obese infants and young
facilities available at Cities, Dis- very good success. children (aged 0 to 5 years)
tricts and most of the Upuzilla increased from 32 million
levels for treating ENT patients, In addition to Government Hos- globally in 1990 to 41 million
In addition, many ENT doctors are pitals, many good Private ENT hos- in 2016. Almost half of all
giving weekend practices at some pitals including Bangladesh ENT overweight children under 5
remote areas to provide ENT ser- Hospital and Private Medical Col- lived in Asia and one quarter
vices where the people have lim- leges have been established with lived in Africa.
ited facilities to come to District all modern facilities.
levels to get the treatment.  WHO launched a new
So, the patients don’t need to go initiative with Gavi, the
Compared to advanced any foreign country for their treat- Vaccine Alliance and CEPI to
countries where do we stand ment and now we observe that secure equitable distribution
in treating ENT diseases? hardly any patient is going out for of 2 billion shot doses around
their treatment. On the other hand, the globe.
I came back home in November, many foreign Bangladeshi patients
1998 from the UK and Ireland. At are coming to me or other doctors  Forecasts show that over
that time, I noticed that many peo- for their surgeries. 100,000 children under the
ple were visiting nearby countries age of five could die from
like India, Singapore and Thiland Lastly, we are providing same pneumonia over the next
for Ear surgeries, and Head Neck standard of treatment as doctor of decade in Bangladesh.
cancer surgeries. other advanced countries do.
 Over 100,000 of the children
I started micro ear surgery, en- Do we have sufficient skilled born in Bangladesh every
doscopic sinus surgery, micro laryn- ENT Specialists in the year face the risk of blindness
geal surgery and major head neck country? Is it adequate? and may lose eyesight for the
surgery staying at Bogura. Even in whole life unless their eyes are
Dhaka city, very few number of sur- As I mentioned earlier, we are now screened timely and they are
geons were doing these modern equally competent like foreign given proper treatment.
surgeries. In those days, we only doctors and developed adequate
2 surgeons, me and Zahir Al Amin skills through frequent live work-  One in every four adults
were doing endoscopic sinus sur- shop, hands on training, cadaver aged over 18 years are
geries and Dr Rozibul Haq was doing dissection, but still there is short- suffering from hypertension
endoscopic DCR. In 2005, I started age of ENT doctors, specially at while one in every 10 adults
Coblation surgery for the first time many Upuzilla levels. have diabetes, according to
in Bangladesh. a survey conducted in the
Do you think the quality of Bangladesh.
I conducted First National Pho- drugs produced by our local
nosurgery live workshop in Dhaka pharma companies are good THE PHARMA WORLD 31
Medical college hospital in 2007 enough for ENT diseases?
with my personal instruments. Over
the last 20 years there are tremen- Yes, indeed. We are confident
dous changes of training facilities enough to prescribe our local phar-
among the ENT doctors. We are maceuticals products with firm
arranging frequent Otology, FESS, confidence regarding quality and
Head Neck surgery and Laryngol- efficacy. We are happy to know that
ogy workshop, cadaver dissection many of our products are exported
to many foreign countries which in-
creases our confidence level. l



INTERVIEW

ENT Center of Impulse Hospital is equipped
with latest equipment & highly skilled
manpower to deal with any ENT problem

Prof. Dr. Ali Zaheer Al-Amin As an eminent ENT specialist of the box, problem with swallowing are
MBBS (Dhaka), FRCS(I), FRCS(Ed), country, would you please tell us very common. Cancer in the head and
DLO(Eng) about the common ENT diseases neck, other tumors of the head and
Professor & Head (Former) prevalent in Bangladesh? neck, tumor/cancers of the thyroid
ENT and Head-Neck Surgery gland, tumors/cancers of the salivary
Dept. BIRDEM General Hospital and Prevalence of common ENT diseases gland and different neck swellings are
Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, has changed since I started my pri- not very uncommon.
Managing Director, Impulse Hospital vate practice in Bangladesh 20 years
back. Last but not the least, snoring in
the children as well as in the adults is
I did a study in 2001 about the also very common and often ignored.
prevalence of different ENT diseases With little intervention, these are very
and there I found that the prevalence much treatable condition and the
of Nasal problems was nearly 40%, quality of life can be changed dramat-
Ear & Throat problem were around ically. With very minimal intervention
30% each. But recently, I am observ- we can correct these problems and
ing that the Nasal problem has gone get rid of the snoring.
much higher and it is now around
60% of all the ENT diseases. How are the facilities available
in Bangladesh for management
Now, the common problems I face of ENT diseases?
in the nose are mostly allergy relat-
ed. We find allergic rhinitis, sinusitis The facilities for management of
(acute and/or chronic) the common- ENT disease are very haphazard in
est. The other common ENT symp- Bangladesh. Government has pro-
toms with which the patients come to vided standard and sophisticated
the ENT specialists are Nasal polyp, instruments in the remotest parts of
DNS, epistaxis (bleeding from the Bangladesh but unfortunately, expe-
nose), sneezing, runny nose, head- rienced and skilled manpower is not
ache, lack of smell sensation etc. But, very much available. So, there are
we must remember that apart from only few centers is Bangladesh where
these chronic apparently non serious we can claim that they have both the
diseases, very potentially life threat- trained manpower and advanced
ening diseases, like cancer in the equipment in those centers. But, for
nasopharynx & nose are also found ordinary ENT problems, there are
quite often. enough manpower and equipment in
most parts of Bangladesh.
Amongst the ear diseases, perfo-
rated ear drum, acute and/or chronic Compared to advanced
discharges from the ears, pain in the countries, where do we stand
ears, hearing loss, tinnitus (sound in in treating ENT diseases?
the ear) and rarely, tumor/cancer in
the ear are also found. Few centers, as for example, the ENT
center of Impulse Hospital can treat
Amongst the throat problems any type of ENT problem either medi-
acute and chronic infection of the cal or surgical and have all the latest
tonsils, acute or chronic infection of
the adenoid, pharyngitis, laryngitis,
hoarseness or cancer of the voice

THE PHARMA WORLD 33



INTERVIEW

instrument and the adequate man- During the corona session, fering from allergic conditions be-
power to deal with those problems we had provided the highest cause of high air pollution in Dhaka
as treated anywhere in the world. But, number of corona ICU’s and major parts of Bangladesh. As
this scenario is not very common all in Bangladesh. Our other a result, the incidence of allergic,
over Bangladesh; rather it is infre- departments are also rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic asthma &
quently available. of standard quality. We bronchospasm is very high as well.
introduced painless delivery These are quite common in Bangla-
Do we have sufficient skilled in our institution for the desh. But, because of the fact that
ENT Specialists in the first time in Bangladesh and we do not have best quality of Nasal
country? Is it adequate? we are proud of it. spray or inhalers, our people are suf-
fering a lot due to this.
We have sufficient skilled ENT man- and they are doing some good ENT re-
power to handle ordinary ENT prob- search work. Would you please tell us
lems necessary for our day to day in brief, about Impulse
management of ENT diseases. But, Do you think that the quality Hospital and its facilities.
the number of highly expert ENT spe- of the drugs produced by our
cialists can be counted in fingers. It is local pharma companies is good Impulse is a multidisciplinary hospi-
very unfortunate. enough for ENT diseases? tal. We have all the facilities available
for all type of diseases. We have few
Is there any research work on Our tablets, Injections etc. produced departments which are undoubtedly
ENT going on in Bangladesh? by our local pharmaceuticals are of the best in Bangladesh. I think, our
Do we have any specialized ENT international quality and standard & Gastroenterology department has the
Institute for this purpose? lot of them are exported to different maximum provision of latest instru-
countries as well. But the quality of ments and has the best manpower
There are lots of ENT research works the inhalers & Nasal sprays and the available not only in Bangladesh, but
going on in different ENT centers all medicines used for local modifica- in the Southeast Asia as well. We have
over the Bangladesh but unfortunate- tion of the diseases are definitely also a very good ENT & Head & Neck
ly, they are not that well co- ordinat- not of International standard & their Surgery Department. We have one of
ed & well organized, and their quality quality need to be improved. As you the largest dialysis centers in Bangla-
is not very good and the methodology know, many of our patients are suf- desh. During the corona session, we
is also not properly followed. As such, had provided the highest number of
there are many publications in our corona ICU’s in Bangladesh. Our oth-
local journals but the numbers of In- er departments are also of standard
ternational publications are very rare quality. We introduced painless deliv-
indeed. There are now few specialized ery in our institution for the first time
ENT centers developed in Bangladesh in Bangladesh and we are proud of it. l

DHoelcltoor! Please send us your Success
Stories, Case St§dies etc.
for publication in

E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 88-02-58155677

THE PHARMA WORLD 35



ARTICLE

Goitre Thyroid Swelling

Prof. Kamrul Hassan Tarafder Agoitre is an enlarged thyroid l Most goitres are painless. However,
gland. A goitre can mean that an inflamed thyroid gland (thyroid-
Professor all the thyroid gland is swollen itis) can be painful.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head or enlarged, or one or more swellings
& Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh or lumps develop in a part or parts of l A large goitre may press trachea or
Mujib Medical University the thyroid gland. oesophagus. This may cause difficul-
ty with breathing or with swallowing.
Chairman The thyroid gland is in the lower
Faculty of Otolaryngology of BCPS part of the front of the neck. It lies just Fetures of Hypothyroidism
in front of the windpipe (trachea). It
President has a right and left lobe which are con- l Bradycardia
SAARC Otolaryngologists Association nected together by a narrow band of l cold extremities
Laryngology & Voice Association of thyroid tissue. It is roughly the shape of l dry skin and hair
Bangladesh a butterfly. l periorbital puffiness
l hoarse voice
The thyroid gland makes thyroid l bradykinesis, slow movements
hormones - called thyroxine (T4) l delayed relaxation phase of ankle
and triiodothyronine (T3). These hor-
mones are carried around the body jerks.
in the bloodstream. T4 and T3 help to l Tiredness
keep the body’s functions. l mental lethargy
l cold intolerance
Types of goitre l weight gain
l constipation
l Graves’ disease l menstrual disturbance
l Thyroiditis l carpal tunnel syndrome.
l Simple Goitre
l Colloid Goitre (endemic) Fetures of Hyperthyroidism
l Nontoxic Goitre (sporadic)
l Toxic nodular or multinodular Goitre l Increased hunger
l Thyroid Adenoma l Weight loss
l Thyroid Carcinoma l Heat intolerance
l Palpitations
Goitre symptoms l Excessive sweating
l Nervousness
l Swelling in front of the neck. l Muscle weakness
l Asthenia

THE PHARMA WORLD 37

ARTICLE CONCERN

l Increased number of daily bowel Proton pump inhibitors: increased
movements risk of severe covid-19?

l Disturbed sleep Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) peared about 1.5 times higher in cur-
l Tremor are known to increase the risk rent PPI users (odds ratio 1.63; 95%
l Tachycardia of various infections, including confidence interval 1.03-2.53), while
l Warm moist palms pneumonia and pseudomembra- no such association was observed
l Bruit nous colitis. What about covid-19 in- in past PPI users. These results took
fection? A recent study yields some into account various risk factors
How goiter is diagnosed useful information. known to be associated with severe
In 2020, a South Korean group covid-19, including age, diabetes,
l Physical exam investigated a possible associa- cardiovascular conditions, chronic
l Hormone test tion between proton  pump inhibi- obstructive pulmonary disease,
l Antibody test tor (PPI) exposure and severity of hypertension, and chronic kidney
l Ultrasound of the thyroid covid-19 in a cohort of adults who disease, but not body mass index.
l FNAC tested positive for Sars-CoV-2. Patients who had taken H2-receptor
l Thyroid scan: The study included 132 316 pa- antagonists during the previous year
l CT scan tients (average age: 48 years) who or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
l MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) had had a PCR test for Sars-CoV-2. drugs (NSAIDs, which increase the
14 163 of these patients were tak- risk of developing infections) during
of the thyroid ing a PPI at the time of testing, and the previous month were excluded
6242 had discontinued PPI therapy from the study (1).
How goiter is treated more than 30 days before testing
(past users). The Sars-CoV-2 PCR test PPI use is already known to in-
l No treatment/”watchful waiting.” result was positive in 4785 (3.6%) of crease the risk of developing vari-
l Medications. cases (1). ous infections, such as pneumonia,
l Radioactive iodine treatment. No association was found be- pseudomembranous colitis, listeri-
l Surgery: tween current or past PPI use and osis and bacterial peritonitis (in-
l Hemithyroidectomy the likelihood of a positive PCR test fection of ascitic  fluid). Suggested
l Sub- Total Thyroidectomy result. However, the risk of severe mechanisms are direct effects on
l Near total Thyroidectomy covid-19, defined using a composite certain immune cells, and greater
l Total Thyroidectomy endpoint comprising oxygen therapy, susceptibility to acquiring infection
admission to an intensive care unit, via the gastrointestinal tract due to
Conclusion invasive ventilation or death, ap- the reduction in gastric acidity. l

Many goiters disappear with treat- Sources: Prescrire
ment. As a whole, Goitre treatment
is available in Bangladesh. Regarding
thyroid cancer one should not worry,
it is curable & prognosis is very good.
One should not go outside the coun-
try for thyroid cancer treatment and it
is available in our country.

Key Note

Home care – depending on type of
Goitre, iodine intake may be increased
or decreased at home. Goitrogenic
food (Broccoli, Kale, Mustard, Peaches,
teas, peanuts, red wine, soy products,
strawberries) should be avoided rath-
er foods rich in iodine (Sea fish,Yogurt,
Bananas, Boiled Egg, Salt, Dairy Prod-
ucts, Baked Potatoes) should take to
prevent hypothyroidism. For any diffi-
culties consult with ENT Specialists or
Endocrinologists. l

38 THE PHARMA WORLD

FIP NEWS

Pharmacy Profession will emerge from pandemic bigger and
better, but we must act as “One pharmacy”: FIP president

At a time of great pharmacy”, he was confident that the en because of the socio-economic
uncertainty and profession will emerge from the pan- problems brought about by this pan-
emergency, the demic “bigger and better”. demic. Antimicrobial resistance has
pharmacy pro- not gone away. Problems in health
fession has dem- However, the profession must now systems have not evaporated. And
onstrated its ex- think ahead and complement the new pandemics are possible.” 
pertise, strength, positive recognition it had received
courage and dedication to care to with evidence that can be used for The FIP president also highlighted
the highest level, said Mr Dominique discussions with governments after needs to tackle several long-standing
Jordan, president of the International the crisis to enhance pharmacy prac- issues that have become more acute
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) at tice, the FIP president said. during the pandemic: misinformation
the opening ceremony of FIP Virtual and excessive information, medicines
2020.  FIP has already begun to collect shortages and fake medicines. He
Thanking the pharmacy profession evidence through surveys to capture encouraged all pharmacists, as trust-
around the world for its efforts dur- the pharmaceutical response to and worthy sources of expertise on medi-
ing the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Jordan impact of COVID-19 for this purpose cines and health, to be part of solving
said that he had never been so proud and Mr Jordan urged the profession to these problems.
to be a pharmacist as in the past sev- contribute to them.
en months. “Our knowledge ensures the safety
He added that the pandemic had He added that, post-pandemic, of patients, not only protecting them
emphasised the power of sharing pharmacists would be needed more from ill-advised actions related to
and solidarity, and that acting as “one than ever to prevent ill health and COVID-19, but protecting them from
ensure patient safety: “The burden of harm from misuse of medicines in
diseases that existed before COVID-19 general,” he said. l
remains and some are likely to wors-

Development goals to support transformation of
entire pharmacy profession launched by FIP

Goals to support the transfor- l Patient safety member organisations will be fur-
mation of the pharmacy pro- l Digital health ther supported with programmes
fession around the world have l Sustainability in pharmacy such as the FIP Workforce Transfor-
been launched by the International mation Programme, which supports
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The “These goals are a major develop- the implementation of action plans
FIP Development Goals build on the ment for pharmacy, providing a com- tailored for each country.
13 Pharmaceutical Workforce Devel- prehensive key resource facilitating
opment Goals for pharmacy educa- needs-based transformation of our “Having a clear and supportive,
tion developed by the federation in whole profession nationally, region- systematic and integrated global
2016. Additions have been made to ally and globally. framework for the entire profession
these 13 goals and eight new goals has many benefits. For example, the
have been developed, providing a They are a logical next step, link- development goals can be used to fa-
total of 21 goals relevant to fields ing the pharmaceutical workforce cilitate applied research and evalua-
of practice and science as well as to with the pharmaceutical services we tion in education and practice by uni-
workforce and education.  deliver, underpinned by pharmaceu- versities and professional leadership
tical science,” said Dr Catherine Dug- bodies, respectively,” Dr Duggan said.
The new goals cover: gan, CEO, FIP.
She added: “This framework can
l Medicines expertise The FIP Development Goals offer also be a basis for investment in
l People-centred care a framework that organisations can pharmacy healthcare by governmen-
l Communicable diseases use for national needs assessments tal agencies and funding authorities,
l Antimicrobial stewardship and prioritisation. Each goal is ac- and for national planning and deliv-
l Access to medicines, devices & services companied by a number of mecha- ery of policy initiatives. l
nisms towards its achievement. FIP

THE PHARMA WORLD 39



INTERVIEW

Though the standard our ENT Specialists & Drugs
is quite good, we lack of sophisticated & modern
equipment in 90% hospitals of the country

Prof. Dr. S M Khorshed Mazumder How are the facilities available Is there any ENT disease
Professor & Head in Bangladesh for management related to Covid-19?
Dept. of Otolaryngology & Head-Neck of ENT diseases?
Surgery As the Corona virus enter through the
Holy Family Red Crescent Medical The facilities are good, though not nose and mouth, usually first symp-
College & Hospital, Dhaka adequate. For 160 million people, we toms starts with sore throat and nose
have approximately 750 ENT special- discomfort along with fever. No spe-
As an eminent ENT Specialist of ists which are not sufficient to render cific ENT disease is related to Covid-19.
the country, would you please adequate service to patient’s satisfac-
tell us about the common ENT tion. And the super specialties of this Compared to advanced
diseases prevalent in Bangladesh? subject have developed tremendous- countries, where do we stand
Common ENT Diseases prevalent in ly around the world, but we have very in treating ENT diseases?
Bangladesh are Deafness associated limited facilities to provide services
with ear infection, throat infections by sophisticated instruments and  Compared to advanced countries, we
caused by Tonsillitis and adenoids, equipment with limited trained man- have only few hospitals with mod-
Laryngeal cancer, Thyroid tumors, power. ern equipment and services facili-
pharyngeal cancers, Nasal allergies ties, mostly based in big cities of the
and tumors and sleep Apnea. Though the standard of service country and the specialists working
provided by specialists and medi- there are also trained & skilled. Un-
cines available in the country are at fortunately, our highly trained and
par with world standard, our hospital skilled specialists are unable to pro-
facilities and instrumental support is vide world standard service for lack of
quite poor in more than 90% of hos- modern and sophisticated equipment
pitals of the country. Moreover, the and auxiliary services.
distribution of hospital beds and spe-
cialists in the country is not homog- Do we have sufficient skilled
enous. ENT Specialists in the
country? Is it adequate?
What are the common ENT
diseases people face in winter? We have around 750 ENT specialists
for 160 million people in Bangladesh
In winters, most of the patients come which are not considered adequate, if
with complain of Nose and Throat in- compared with any advanced country
fections, Tonsillitis, Adenoid, Ear in- of the world. For example, in UK, there
fections and Breathing difficulties. are 7500 ENT specialists for 80 million
people.
Is there any preventive
measure to get rid of this? Do you think that the quality of
the drugs produced by our local
Firstly, we should avoid dusts and pharma companies are good
cold exposure. We should also main- enough for ENT diseases?
tain personal hygiene, get warm sa-
line gargling, steam inhalation, take Drugs produced by local pharma
fresh fruits and vegetables and ex- companies are world class and works
posure to sunlight for a short period effectively. Our drugs are also used
every alternate day to protect your- widely in various countries of the
self from cold. world. l

THE PHARMA WORLD 41



INTERVIEW

We’ve cutting-edge technologies for sinus surgery,

earsurgery,lasersurgery, microscopicsurgery

and cochlear implantation in our country

Professor Dr. Shaikh Nurul Fattah Rumi As the Head of the department of Compared to advanced
Head of the Department ENT in DMCH, please tell us, in brief countries, where do we stand
ENT & Head Neck Surgery about your institute and its services? in treating ENT diseases?
Dhaka Medical College Hospital
The birth of this glorius institute was We’re close to them in many aspects
10 July, 1946 with four departments in terms of management despite over-
only, ENT was one of them. Our de- whelming burden of patients but we
partment is conferring every sort of are yet to intervene through Robotic
services including outdoor, indoor System, Image guided Navigation and
and round-the-clock emergency cares to get available use of PET Scan .
to every patient, wholeheartedly and
precisely. Is there any research work on
ENT going on in Bangladesh? Do
What are the common ENT we have any specialized ENT
diseases people face in winter? Institute for this purpose?

Advent of winter is sometimes trou- In medical science, research work is a
blesome for many of the patients continuous process. Lots of research
as it aggravates lots of diseases like work is being coducted on various
Common cold, Upper respiratory tract topics like drug usages, operative ap-
infection and Seasonal Allergic Rhini- proaches and diagnostic modalities.
tis. People are usually afflicted with Couple of specialized ENT Centres are
symptoms like nasal discharge, nasal in Bangladesh. National Institute of
congestion, headache and general- ENT is largest of them.
ized weakness. At current perspective,
COVID-19 may surge up further with Do you think that the quality of
more intensity in this winter. the drugs produced by our local
pharma companies are good
How are the facilities available enough for ENT diseases?
in Bangladesh for management
of ENT diseases? It’s truly appreciating that some of
our local pharmaceuticals produce
Compared to number of patients to quality drugs which play inevitable
facilities, we’re genuinely want of list role in treating patients. But they
of discernible factors like inadequacy should cast more attention to bring
of bed, number of opeartion theatres, up newer drugs specially antibiotics
PET Scan availability, most important- and infuse awareness among people
ly doctors and supporting staffs. On to avoid taking medication without
the shining side, we’ve cutting-edge physician’s advice. l
technologies for sinus surgery, ear
surgery, laser surgery, microscopic
surgery and cochlear implantation
in our country. In addition to these,
we’re providing all the routine care for
cancer and benign diseases.

THE PHARMA WORLD 43



ARTICLE

Head & Neck Surgery: Bangladesh perspective

Prof. Belayat Hossain Siddiquee Head Neck Surgery – although and others has given momentum to
Chief, Head & Neck Surgery Division emerging as a relatively newer the subject (Head and Neck Surgery).
Chairman, Otolaryngology-Head & specialty among various surgi- Some of their disciple started doing
Neck Surgery Department cal discipline, actually started more Head-Neck surgery in different medi-
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical than a century back. Laryngectomy cal college hospitals since 1980’s. At
University (BSMMU was done in 1873 by Billroth at Vienna. present, this has extended into some
& W. Crile designed and published his private set-up and corporate hospi-
President, Bangladesh Society of famous incision for neck dissection tals as well.
Head Neck Surgeons (BSHNS) in 1906. In Memorial Sloan Kettering
Governing Council Member, Asian So- Cancer Centre (MSKCC), the Head- Head-Neck Surgery is generally
ciety of Head Neck Oncology (ASHNO) Neck Surgery Division have been being practiced as part of the Oto-
working since 1914. laryngology in our country and the
But this has become an acceptable scenario is more or less same world-
oncological surgery only in middle of wide. But in postgraduate study ,
the last century. Dr. Hayes Martin, an training and research in this specialty
American surgeon considered as fa- is getting due emphasis in most of the
ther of the modern Head- Neck sur- countries. This is one of the most rap-
gery, formed the American Society of idly expanding super specialty branch
Head-Neck Surgeons in 1954. But this among surgical subdivisions.
subject was popularized in UK and
Europe only in 1960’s decade. Head and Neck cancer is a huge
In 1960, during the then East Paki- burden for Bangladesh. It constitutes
stan era, first laryngectomy was per- 30% to 35% all cancers of this country.
formed at Chittagong Medical College Although a major part of the head and
Hospital. But a group of new genera- neck surgery is involved in dealing with
tion surgeons specially Prof. M. Alaud- head and neck malignancies, it also in-
din, Prof. A.A. Haroon, Brig. M.R. Khan cludes some highly critical benign con-
ditions e.g. parapharyngeal tumours,
paragangliomas and also Thyroid and

Head-Neck Surgery is
generally being practiced as
part of the Otolaryngology
in our country and the
scenario is more or less
same world-wide.

Larynx cancer (post operative case)

THE PHARMA WORLD 45

ARTICLE

Sinus cancer

Salivary gland surgeries for both be- We also draw the attention Laser surgery and Robotic surgery
nign and malignant conditions. of the health policy makers have tremendously upstaged the
of Bangladesh Government Head & Neck surgical efficiency in
Considering the magnitude of the to give due importance in this dealing different Head – Neck cancers.
problem and depth of the situation regard to keep pace with the In coming years the target of Head
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical developed countries and thus Neck related medical sciences is to
University (BSMMU) has established a to minimize the agony of our diagnose the fatal Head Neck cancer
separate division named “Head-Neck people suffering from a killer in subclinical stage. This will improve
Surgery Division” in 2010 with the aim disease – Head Neck Cancer. the survival tremendously. For this
to improve the management of criti- purpose, lot of new equipment’s are
cal patients suffering from Head-Neck sional society. We are already very coming up e.g. Contact Endoscopy,
diseases and for research. much connected to Asian Society Optical Coherence Tomography etc.
of Head & Neck Oncology (ASHNO), Biomarkers will play a big role in di-
We are running Head - Neck Oncol- and International Federation of Head agnosis and treatment of Head –Neck
ogy Clinic since 2003, where special- Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS). cancers.
ist doctors refer the patients from all We have also bilateral understanding
over the country and we used to give with Federation of Head Neck Oncol- Our goal is to achieve the global
a treatment plan in a multidisciplinary ogy (FHNO), India. The executives of standard by continuous training
tumour board. We have started an FHNO visited Dhaka in May 2015 dur- programs of our junior specialists
one-year “Advance Clinical Fellowship ing Head Neck Surgery workshop at in good centers of the neighboring
Training Program” in Head & Neck sur- Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College countries and also in internationally
gery for the doctors who have post- & Hospital, Dhaka and a delegation renowned centers to get themselves
graduate qualification like FCPS/MS or on behalf of BSHNS also attended the updated. The society (BSHNS) will be
equivalent degree, since 2018. FHNO,s last conference at Nagpur. a facilitator for that.

Protid gland cancer We also draw the attention of the
health policy makers of Bangladesh
In June 2013, Bangladesh Society of Government to give due importance
Head Neck Surgeons (BSHNS) was in this regard to keep pace with the
formed with an aim to link up our developed countries and thus to min-
Head-Neck surgeons with different imize the agony of our people suffer-
international organizations and insti- ing from a killer disease – Head Neck
tutes concerned with the same arena Cancer. l
of medical sciences . By this time, it
has become a highly vibrant profes-

46 THE PHARMA WORLD

FOCUS

Scientists Must Battle the
Disinformation Pandemic

n By Genna Reed One of the lessons to take to shield the public against bad in-
away from the myriad formation.
Fighting the spread of an infec- failures is that sidelining
tious disease goes hand in hand scientists’ voices during When confronted with false infor-
with stemming the dissemination a public health crisis has mation on social media, scientists
of lies, bad science, and misdirection. grave consequences. should call it out, debunk it, and cite
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc across sources so that people who engage
the world, scientists are making un- science  and public health measures with the post in the future will, if they
paralleled, heroic strides to discover related to COVID-19, but people gen- look far enough, encounter the truth.
the virus’s biology and vulnerabilities. erally trust scientists as messen- Research has shown that warning
We have learned far more about SARS- gers. The coronavirus pandemic pre- people about the ways such informa-
CoV-2 than we knew about any pan- sents an opportunity for scientists tion spreads and providing scientific
demic-sparking pathogen in human to have conversations with friends, facts can work to reduce the likeli-
history within a year of its emergence, family, colleagues, and members of hood of dis- and misinformation
and experts are working tirelessly to the public about scientific concepts. taking hold. Scientists can also help
publicly share this information. These Wider understanding of the scientific guide others to credible sources for
efforts should be bolstered and care- process may lead to a fuller grasp of public health information and ex-
fully considered to save lives and the time it takes to make discoveries plain what makes a source reliable
stem the tide of contagion. and build knowledge about COVID-19. so that people seek out the right
The World Health Organization Likewise, it will help people under- messengers as they make decisions
has defined this landscape as an “in- stand that one study is not repre- to keep themselves and their fami-
fodemic:” “an over-abundance of in- sentative of the scientific consensus lies safe. 
formation—some accurate and some and less meaningful on its own—
not—that makes it hard for people to which is hard to hear when findings One of the lessons to take away
find trustworthy sources and reliable are desirable.  from the  myriad failures  is that
guidance when they need it.” sidelining scientists’ voices during a
Acceptance of disinformation can Make scientific information public public health crisis has grave conse-
result in a cascade of dangerous quences. It has resulted in the need-
events,  such as consumers ingest- Scientists conducting and publish- less deaths of hundreds of thou-
ing a form of chloroquine,  govern- ing research have more avenues than sands and in countless more lives
ment shelving important scientific ever to make information about their turned upside down.
work,  scientists facing serious har- studies and data accessible to the
assment, and the loss of public trust public. Researchers can post their It has also allowed the infodemic
in the government as a source of sci- work on preprint servers and publish that accompanies and exacerbates
ence-backed advice. in open access journals, pitch it to COVID-19 to take hold. It will take
That’s why scientific voices are science and mainstream journalists, more than scientists to get us out
needed, now more than ever, to cut summarize the findings in an article of this crisis, but scientists need to
through the noise. Here are some for diverse audiences, or share it far make their voices heard and tackle
ways that all scientists can help arm and wide on social media.  misinformation head on.
the public with the information they
need to make evidence-based deci- Inoculate the public against falsehoods A new generation  of researchers
sions about their lives as COVID-19 with accurate information is watching and learning, inspired by
continues to spread. the heroes they see on the frontlines
There is so much power in accurate and those innovating to solve one of
Promote science literacy information communicated by ex- the world’s most devastating prob-
perts. Quality information can help lems. Let’s give them the tools they
Research has shown there are  par- need to help ensure that we never
tisan differences affecting trust in make the same mistakes again.  l

Genna Reed is a lead science and policy
analyst in the Center for Science and De-

mocracy. Condensed from the Scientist

THE PHARMA WORLD 47



INTERVIEW

ent dept of ssmch has made
tremendus development

Prof. Dr. Khabiruddin Ahmed they visited SSMCH ENT Department ryngeal cancer, supraglottis cancer is
Ex-Professor & Head and found that SSMCH have made about 65% and in western world, the
Department of ENT tremendous development in the field Gloties cancer is common as they are
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College of ENT and Head Surgery. So, we can alcoholic and smoke. In treatment of
& Hospital assess how they evaluate ENT Depart- the Layingial cancer, the outcome and
ment in SSMCH. prognosis of vocal cord cancer is very
As former Head of ENT good. Because, when a cancer start in
department of SSMCH, please What are the common ENT diseases the vocal cord, the patient develops
tell us, in brief about the prevailing in Bangladesh? changes of voice and so they rush to
services available in SSMCH? the doctor. But, in case of supraglottis
If we divide ENT and Head & Neck, then and subglottis, the patients don’t go
You know, ENT Department of the common ENT diseases in case of to doctors unless it becomes very big
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College throat are acute Tonsillitis, Chronic Ton- as there is no symptom. So, vocal cord
& Hospital is very prestigious depart- sillitis and acute pharyngitis, chronic cancer prognosis is very good and its
ment among all the departments in pharyngitis, allergic  pharyngitis,  Ton- treatments are multimodal-surgery,
that institute. When I joined this in- sillar abscess. These are very common radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
stitute in 2003, there was no micro- diseases. If you go to nasal diseases, all
scope, no micro instrument, no laser, sorts of minor sinusitis Chronic Rhinos- Compared to advanced
no modern instrument. From there, I inusitis epistaxis, Foreign bodies nose, countries, where do we stand
started my journey with my colleagues then Sinonasal malignancy, are very in treating ENT diseases?
and during last 16 years, I developed common and in case of Ear, the Oti-
this ENT department as per interna- tis media perforations and Ear abscess ENT care has developed tremendous-
tional standard. Here, all the latest in- or boiling internal canal foreign body ly in our country. In ENT management,
struments, that is laser, micro surgery in the Ear, etc. are very common and we can compare with any country of
instrument, micro dab rider, image Hearing loss in Bangladesh due to ex- the subcontinent. But, we are not at
guiding surgery, all sorts of endoscopy cessive noise are very common as well. par with the western world like Europe
are available. We are able to perform and America where the sophisticated
all sorts of surgeries as per the inter- What is Laryngeal Cancer? and modern instruments are very
national standard and our colleagues What are its treatment? much available.
and the team in ENT Department of
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Larynx means voice box. Also we take Is there any research work on
& Hospital are very competent. We, all breath through this pipe. This is also ENT going on in Bangladesh? Do
as a team, brought this department to called voice box or respiratory air way. we have any specialized ENT
international standard. When I visited It is also part of respiratory air way. So, Institute for this purpose?
Tata Memorial Hospital of India few it has got two important functions –
years back, the doctors told me that one is to produce voice and another Many research works are being done
is to take respirations. Two functions in many institutes of the country which
are very important in addition to are published in the Journal of ENT So-
other subsidiary functions. Now, La- ciety. Prestigious National ENT Institute
ryngeal cancer is very common can- at Tejgaon is doing a commendable job
cer in Bangladesh among all Head & in this discipline for the last 10 years.
Neck cancer. Laryngeal cancer ranks
as top number three. Number one is Do you think that the quality of
oral cancer, number two Pharyngeal the drugs produced by our local
cancer and number three is Laryngeal pharma companies are good
cancer, which is very common in our enough for ENT diseases?
country and let us divide it into three
parts. Above the vocal cord through You know, our medicines are export-
which you talk, is called supraglotis ed to many countries of the world. If
and the level of vocal cords below we lacked in quality, the foreign coun-
it is called subglottis. Prevalence of tries would not have taken our medi-
supraglottis cancer in our country cines. So, there is no doubt about the
is very very common. Among all La- efficacy of our drugs which, in one
word, is world class. l

THE PHARMA WORLD 49