Dhaka: In line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's election pledge, free medical services have already been launched for low-income and marginalised residents of the Korail, Sattala, and Bhashantek slums under the Dhaka-17 constituency. Beneficiaries are receiving specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines free of charge at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the hospital has opened its modern facilities, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to these underprivileged communities, guided by the principle that "Healthcare is everyone's right." A dedicated ticket counter has been introduced for slum residents, while two separate wards-one for male patients and the other for female patients-have been established on the eighth floor.
Speaking to the state-run news agency BSS, Director of Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital Brigadier General Md. Saidur Rahman stated that over the two and a half months since the programme was launched, 610 patients had received treatment at the outpatient department. A total of 23 patients suffering from various complex illnesses have been admitted to the hospital. Of them, seven have already undergone surgery, while three more are scheduled to undergo operations within the next few days, he said.
On May 5, Prime Minister's spouse and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman inaugurated a 50-bed ICU at Kurmitola General Hospital. On the same day, she also inaugurated the Pathology Pavilion and the Gastro Liver Centre alongside the ICU unit. Following the inauguration, Dr Zubaida Rahman formally announced free medical treatment for residents of the three slums. Since then, low-income slum dwellers have been receiving the benefits of the initiative.
Earlier, during the national parliamentary election campaign, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had pledged to ensure free healthcare services for slum dwellers. The initiative has been undertaken in line with that commitment. During a visit to the hospital, BSS spoke to several patients who said that free treatment had relieved them of long-standing financial hardships. They said that those who previously could not afford treatment at major hospitals or consultations with specialist physicians were now receiving free specialist consultations, necessary diagnostic tests, and medicines.
They added that all this had become possible due to the initiative of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Amena Begum, a resident of the Bhashantek slum who came to the hospital for treatment, told BSS that she had spent Taka 6,000 about three months ago for cataract surgery on one eye. She has now been admitted for surgery on her other eye, but this time she will not have to pay anything for the treatment, she added. Emotionally overwhelmed after receiving such advanced treatment free of cost, Amena Begum said, "We are fortunate to be receiving this free service. This government initiative has brought enormous benefits to poor people like us."
Kamrul Islam, a resident of the Korail slum, told BSS, "During the election campaign, current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to ensure free medical treatment for slum dwellers. In line with that pledge, I am now receiving all treatment free of cost at Kurmitola Hospital." He added, "We are treated with great respect at this hospital. The food provided to us is of very good quality."
Hospital officials said that residents of the three slums are also receiving free treatment for complex diseases such as cancer and heart disease. To receive the services, they only need to purchase a ticket costing Taka 10, after which all remaining treatment is provided completely free of charge. Volunteers have been appointed in the three slums to identify genuine patients. Through an association, these volunteers bring patients to the hospital. Upon arrival, patients are provided with access to a separate ticket counter and immediate medical services.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Saidur Rahman said, "In line with the pledge made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we have been providing completely free treatment to low-income and marginalised people from the Korail, Sattala, and Bhashantek slums in the capital." He emphasized that the system has been arranged free of charge through the hospital's personnel, ensuring equal access for all. Volunteers assist in identifying patients within the slums and facilitating their access to the hospital.