World Diabetes Day being observed today

World Diabetes Day is being observed in Bangladesh and across the globe on Saturday, with free diabetes screening, discounted cardiac health services, blood donation programmes and awareness campaigns organised to encourage early detection and treatment of the disease.

The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) has arranged free diabetes screening from 8:00am to 11:00am at the BIRDEM Complex in Shahbag, the Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS) and all centres of the National Healthcare Network (NHN).

According to the association's official programme, free screening at the BIRDEM Complex has been available from November 8 and concludes on Saturday.

The day's activities are being held under the global theme "Early Action on Diabetes", highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis, access to treatment and reducing the risk of complications.

Free tests, heart camp and blood donation

As part of the observance, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute is organising a special heart camp from 9:00am to 4:00pm on the hospital's third floor.

Cardiac services at the camp will be offered at discounted rates, rather than free of charge.

BIRDEM General Hospital is also holding a voluntary blood donation programme from 10:00am to 5:00pm at its Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Haematology, Room 326, on the second floor.

Other programmes include an awareness roadshow starting at 8:30am near the BIRDEM car park in Shahbag, a question-and-answer session with medical professionals at 10:00am, and a discussion at 12:30pm in the BIRDEM Auditorium.

BADAS has also organised awareness activities through its affiliated institutions across the country.