Finding the right medical care is the first and most critical step in a cancer journey. For residents of the Sylhet division and the surrounding areas, access to specialized oncology services is a growing priority. While many patients historically looked to Dhaka or even abroad for advanced treatment, the Sylhet region now boasts several dedicated cancer specialists and modern healthcare facilities. This article provides a detailed overview of the top cancer specialists in Bangladesh, treatment costs, and information for those considering a medical trip to India.
Leading Cancer Specialists in Sylhet
Sylhet is home to a number of highly qualified oncologists and surgical specialists who offer comprehensive care. Below is a list of some of the leading experts in the region, along with their specializations and hospital affiliations.
1. Surgical Oncologists and Breast Cancer Specialists
- Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Jamil: Specializing in surgical oncology, Dr. Jamil is a consultant at the National Institute of Onco Surgery. He holds an MBBS, BCS (HEALTH), FCPS (SURGERY), and MS (SURGICAL ONCOLOGY), and provides his services at Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited.
- Dr. Choudhury Md. Anwar Sadat: With a specialization in General, Endo-Laparoscopic, Colorectal, and Breast Surgery, Dr. Sadat is an Assistant Professor at Parkview Medical College Hospital. He is a key breast cancer specialist in sylhet in the area and also sees patients at Popular Medical Center and Anwara Hospital Diagnostic and Subfertility Centre in Sylhet.
2. Radiation and Clinical Oncologists
- Dr. Sarder Baniul Ahmed: An oncologist based in Sylhet, Dr. Ahmed has an MBBS and M. Phil in Radiotherapy. He is an Assistant Professor at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College & Hospital and consults at Popular Medical Center & Hospital, Sylhet.
- Dr. Md. Omar Faruque: A clinical and radiation oncologist, Dr. Faruque is affiliated with Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College & Hospital and is an oncology specialist at Mount Adora Hospital.
- Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin: Serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of Radio Therapy & Oncology at Parkview Medical College & Hospital, Prof. Uddin is an experienced specialist in radio therapy and oncology.
- Dr. Ishtiaque Alam (Rassel): A clinical oncologist with an MBBS and FCPS, Dr. Alam is an Associate Professor at Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College & Hospital and is an oncology specialist at Mount Adora Hospital.
3. Blood Cancer (Hematology) Specialists
- Dr. Sujan Ghosh: A specialist in medicine, blood diseases, and blood cancer, Dr. Ghosh holds an MBBS (SOMC), BCS (Health), FCPS (Medicine), and MD (Hematology). He is a consultant at Mount Adora Hospital in Sylhet.
Leading Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Sylhet
Several hospitals in Sylhet have established dedicated oncology departments, providing advanced treatment options.
- North East Cancer Hospital: As a state-of-the-art facility, this 200-bed hospital offers comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Mount Adora Hospital: This hospital features a robust oncology department with specialists in both clinical and radiation oncology.
- Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited: Known for its surgical oncology department, this hospital is a key center for cancer surgery.
- Popular Medical Center & Hospital: This facility serves as a major consultation hub for many of Sylhet’s leading specialists, including oncologists.
The Cost of Cancer Treatment in Bangladesh and Abroad
The cost of cancer treatment for Bangladeshi varies significantly based on the type and stage of cancer, the chosen hospital, and the specific treatment plan. In Bangladesh, initial estimates for cancer surgery can range from BDT 100,000 to BDT 500,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
For many, a medical trip to India is an option due to the availability of advanced technology and a wider range of specialists. Costs in India are typically higher, and it is crucial to plan for these expenses.
- Breast Cancer Treatment in India: Surgery can cost between INR 200,000 and 500,000, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy can range from INR 150,000 to 500,000 per cycle/session.
- Blood Cancer Treatment in India: Chemotherapy costs can be between INR 200,000 and 600,000 per cycle. A bone marrow transplant, a more complex procedure, can be significantly higher, ranging from INR 1,000,000 to 2,500,000.
In addition to medical fees, patients must also budget for travel, accommodation (which can cost INR 2,000 to 8,000 per day), food, and other daily expenses.
Indian Medical Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
For those planning a medical trip to India, securing an Indian medical visa is a prerequisite. Thankfully, the process is streamlined and can be managed through the Indian Visa Application Services in Sylhet.
Visa Fees: Bangladeshi nationals are not charged a visa fee for the Indian medical visa itself. However, there is a processing fee of approximately BDT 700 for applications submitted at the IVAC in Sylhet.
Required Documents: The following documents are essential for a successful medical visa application:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- A recent passport-size color photograph with a white background.
- A filled-in online visa application form.
- A valid appointment letter from a hospital in India, addressed to the patient, which mentions the patient’s passport details and the details of the accompanying attendant (if any).
- Recent medical reports and prescriptions from a Bangladeshi doctor supporting the diagnosis.
- Proof of financial solvency (e.g., bank statements).
- Proof of residence (e.g., a recent utility bill).
It is important to note that the Indian hospital must upload the patient’s information to the Indian Government’s AYUSH website to generate the official visa invitation letter, a crucial step in the application process.