Dhaka recorded an air quality index (AQI) score of 194 on Saturday morning, placing it as the fourth most polluted city in the world. This level of pollution is classified as unhealthy, posing significant risks to the respiratory health of city residents. The deteriorating air quality highlights an urgent environmental crisis as the capital struggles with hazardous atmospheric conditions.

According to data from the Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, New Delhi currently tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities. Lahore and Kolkata follow in second and third positions, respectively, recording higher pollution levels than Dhaka. This ranking reflects a broader regional trend of declining air quality across South Asian urban centers.

Health implications of poor air quality

IQAir standards categorize an AQI score between 151 and 200 as unhealthy, meaning the current reading of 194 sits at the upper end of this threshold. Experts warn that breathing such air is dangerous for the general population, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to severe long-term health complications.

Beijing and Cairo currently occupy the fifth and sixth spots on the list with scores of 165 and 161, respectively. While an AQI score between zero and 50 is considered good, Dhaka’s current reading remains significantly higher than safe limits. The persistent rise in pollution levels serves as a stark indicator of the city’s ongoing environmental degradation.

As winter approaches, meteorologists and environmentalists fear that air quality in Dhaka may deteriorate further due to seasonal changes. Without immediate and effective government intervention to curb industrial emissions and dust pollution, the situation could escalate into a public health emergency. Authorities are urged to implement stricter environmental regulations to protect the city’s vulnerable population.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the nation to raise awareness and undergo regular health screenings to prevent diabetes and build a healthier society. He emphasized that adopting a disciplined lifestyle is essential to curbing the rising prevalence of the disease across the country.

Rapid urbanization and sedentary lifestyles have significantly contributed to the surge in diabetes cases in Bangladesh. The President noted that diabetes is a chronic condition which, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe complications including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even limb amputation.

Addressing the national crisis

Changing dietary habits and a lack of physical activity have emerged as the primary catalysts for the spread of the disease. According to the President, diabetes is no longer just a personal health issue but a national crisis that requires a collective effort from both society and the state to mitigate effectively.

Bangladesh Diabetic Association, alongside media outlets and social organizations, must play a more proactive role in fostering public awareness. The President stressed that taking immediate action to control diabetes is vital for nurturing a productive and healthy future generation.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin said, “If diabetes is well-controlled, an individual can lead a normal and productive life. The key to staying healthy lies in understanding the risks associated with the disease and following a proper lifestyle.”

Uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, blindness, nerve damage, and vascular complications. Regular blood glucose monitoring and increased public awareness remain the most effective strategies for managing the condition and preventing long-term health deterioration.

Why it matters: Rangamati General Hospital Superintendent Dr. Nuyen Khisa has taken to the field to ensure the quality of medical care for dengue patients and to increase the dynamism of healthcare services.

The big picture: On Sunday afternoon, Civil Surgeon-cum-Superintendent of Rangamati General Hospital, Dr. Nuyen Khisa, conducted a surprise inspection to check on the physical condition of patients undergoing treatment in the dengue corner. He visited various wards of the hospital and collected detailed information from those on duty regarding the overall management of treatment.

Between the lines: The main objective of this inspection was to improve the quality of medical services at the hospital and ensure humane treatment for patients. Dr. Nuyen Khisa gave clear instructions that every officer and employee must perform their assigned duties with professionalism and provide timely service to patients.

What’s next: The health department is now working to deliver quality healthcare to the doorsteps of patients in light of government directives. This inspection, conducted in the presence of relevant officials including Resident Medical Officer Dr. Shawkat Akbar Khan, sends a message of further improving the quality of service in the future.

The bottom line: The Rangamati General Hospital authorities are committed to ensuring patient-friendly and public-oriented healthcare. The superintendent expressed optimism that the hospital’s medical services will become more dynamic through collective efforts.

This inspection is being viewed as part of ensuring transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector of Rangamati. Amid the dengue situation, the authorities have called upon doctors and nurses to be strict and sincere in ensuring maximum care for patients. It is expected that increased administrative surveillance of the hospital will benefit general patients and improve the quality of medical services. If such supervision continues at every level of the health department, public trust in government hospitals will be further strengthened.