Renowned medical writer Dr Subhagata Choudhury dies

Renowned medical writer Dr Subhagata Choudhury passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 78 after battling cancer for more than half a decade.

His brother Dr Arup Ratan Choudhury said Subhagata fell ill in the morning and was taken to the Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute in Dhaka, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

“He was undergoing chemotherapy. He suddenly fell ill in the morning and died at home. We took him to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital. His body has been kept at BIRDEM’s mortuary."

Arup Ratan said that one of Subhagata’s two daughters lives in Canada, while the other lives in Australia. His last rites will be performed on Friday upon their arrival.

Subhagata has penned more than 50 articles in domestic and foreign medical journals. Biochemistry, nutrition, and medical education were the focus of his research. He received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2021 and the Sher-e-Bangla National Award for his contributions to the medical field.

In June last year, at an event in honour of five cancer survivors, Subhagata said: "I was told that I would have four years to live, but now I have lived for six."

"Cancer is not a disease. The way cancer is portrayed in films and plays is not right. It is possible to live with cancer and conquer the disease. There is no reason to fear."

Recommending a fund for cancer treatment for the common people, he said: "Where will the money for cancer treatment for the poor come from? Are we thinking about this?”

"Medical expenses are a major cause of poverty. Those who work on cancer need to create a fund. We will be blessed if we can make cancer treatment accessible to the common people."

Born in Sylhet in 1947, Subhagata studied at home and abroad. He completed his research on health care at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

He also served as the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chittagong University. He has travelled to many countries such as the UK, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and West Africa for research, training, and presenting papers.

He was an adviser to the Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians for Social Services (ANDSS).