Dr. Samant Lal Sen is a pioneer in the treatment of Burns and Plastic Surgery in Bangladesh who is currently serving as the Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Previously was the National Chief Coordinator of Burns and Plastic Surgery in Bangladesh and coordinator of the world’s largest Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
A northern district Habiganj where he was born on 24 November 1949. Sen’s father Jitendra Lal Sen was a high-ranking government official with transferable job, and he passed his secondary from St. Philips High School, Dinajpur in 1964. His dream to be a doctor was fulfilled by passing MBBS from Chittagong Medical College in 1973. Dr. Sen started his career in 1975 as a Medical Officer of Baniachong Health Complex in Habiganj, a remote area of the country thereafter transferred and joined Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. Later he received advanced training in surgery from Austria, Germany and England. Mrs. Ratna Sen, the beloved wife, is the cheerleader of his life. Nabanita Sen Bekkers, only daughter, lives with her lovely family in the Netherlands. Dr. Anabeel Sen, only son, studying post-graduation in public health in the UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Services for burn patients and war wounded freedom fighters started with only five beds at RIHD. Utilizing this experience, in 1986 he started treating burn patients on a small scale in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In 2003, a 50-bed independent burn unit was started there, which was later increased to 100 beds. Dr. Samanta Lal Sen was the successful founding project director. Then he was credited to establish the world’s largest 500-bed Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. He fought for awareness against acid burns to reduce it and now it is a success. Bangla Academy awarded him an honorary fellowship in 2018 and honorary FCPS by Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons for his service towards the nation. He also served as the president of Society of Plastic Surgeons of Bangladesh and now the President elect of Asia Pacific Burn Association and represented Bangladesh in various national and international conferences on medical issues.
Dr. Sen has spent most of his career treating burn patients and expanding this service. A 'living legend' for plastic surgery treatment in the country, Dr. Samanta Lal Sen continues to work tirelessly as 'Sen Sir' for countless common people.
