SMC participated in the scientific program commemorating "World Contraception Day 2023", organized by the Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) held on September 26, 2023 in Dhaka. Professor Dr. Farhana Dewan, President of OGSB, was present at the event as the keynote speaker. 

The theme of this year's ‘World Contraception Day' was "The Power of Options." During the panel discussion, experts discussed about the present landscape of family planning method utilization and the government's strategy to attain the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning the use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC). They also emphasized the importance of private sector in administering LARC and Permanent Methods (PM) as well as include the administration performance in the national database. 

Mr. Moshiur Rahman, Additional General Manager, Field Implementation, SMC discussed the extensive options that SMC offers in the private sector, encompassing short- and long-acting methods and their significant national impact. He also applauded the Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OBGYNs) of SMC's Pink Star network for their efforts to implement the IUD and Implants through their private practices. 

Among others, Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, Public Health Specialist; Dr. Mohammed Nizam Uddin, Line Director, MNC & AH, DGHS; Dr. Nurun Nahar Begum, Line Director, CCSDP, DGFP; Professor Dr. Ferdousi Begum, Immediate Past President, OGSB; Professor Dr. Anowara Begum, Former President, OGSB and Dr. Sayed Rubayet, Country Director, Ipas Bangladesh attended the program and shared their views. The discussants emphasized active engagement of private sector in administering LARC and PM as well as suggested to highlight the cost benefit of these options over temporary method. 

SMC Enterprise Ltd, the subsidiary of SMC also observed the day by conducting significant promotional activities of its contraceptive products in the print and digital media to increase the awareness among mass people of the country.

Source: Newsletter-46 (July-September), 2023