UniMed UniHealth Backs Specialized Lung Clinic at NIDCH to Tackle Rising ILD Burden

Dhaka, April 5 — In Bangladesh, many patients with chronic lung diseases struggle for years without a clear diagnosis. For those living with Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease (DPLD), also known as Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), the journey is often marked by uncertainty, delayed treatment, and limited access to specialized care.

In a move that could change that reality, UniMed UniHealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has supported the launch of a dedicated DPLD clinic at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital.

The clinic, set to run every Tuesday, is expected to treat around 100 patients each week—many of whom previously had few options for structured care. From advanced HRCT scans to pulmonary function testing and long-term treatment planning, the facility brings multiple essential services under one roof.

“Early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference for ILD patients,” said Dr. D. S. M. Zakir, who is leading the initiative at NIDCH. “With a dedicated clinic, we can now follow a more systematic and timely approach to treatment.”

Behind the scenes, UniMed UniHealth has played a crucial role—supporting doctors with training, helping design clinical workflows, and promoting evidence-based treatment pathways. The clinic also improves access to important anti-fibrotic medicines like Nifev and Pulfibro, which can help slow disease progression.

For many families, affordability remains a major concern. To address this, the company is planning a Patient Benefit Scheme (PBS), aimed at reducing the cost of long-term medication and helping patients stay on treatment.

This initiative builds on UniMed UniHealth’s earlier success at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a similar clinic model showed promising results.

Healthcare professionals believe this new clinic could mark a turning point—helping patients get diagnosed earlier, manage their condition better, and ultimately live healthier, longer lives.

As Bangladesh continues to face a growing burden of chronic respiratory diseases, the NIDCH DPLD clinic stands as a hopeful step toward more accessible, patient-centered care.

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UniMed UniHealth Backs Specialized Lung Clinic at NIDCH to Tackle Rising ILD Burden

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