Chandpur: Health Secretary Md Saidur Rahman today inaugurated a floating hospital for char people of the Meghna basin of the district at the west bank of the Megna River under Hayemchar Upazila here. The mobile floating hospital named 'Badsha Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz' was inaugurated to ensure healthcare facilities for the char people.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the floating hospital will provide a range of services from primary treatment and disease diagnosis to free operations. The establishment of this hospital has brought joy among the local population, who had been longing for accessible healthcare services. The Health Secretary emphasized the scarcity of healthcare facilities in such remote char areas, which prompted the creation of this floating hospital.
Md Saidur Rahman highlighted that the remote chars, surrounded by the Meghna River and isolated from the district's mainland, have left residents deprived of necessary healthcare. The hospital, operated by the non-government organization 'Friendship', has instilled hope among the local communities.
Bilkis Begum, a patient at the hospital, shared her relief, explaining that they previously had to endure difficult journeys to the district hospital or even the capital during adverse weather conditions for treatment. Now, they can access essential healthcare services, including eye operations, without leaving their area.
Runa Khan, founder of the NGO 'Friendship', noted that the hospital serves approximately 150 to 200 patients daily, providing them with free medicine and treatment. The hospital staff includes 32 members, of whom seven are doctors. Khan added that this project aims to deliver healthcare facilities to 3.2 million people in Hayemchar Upazila and the southern region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Director General of the Health Directorate Prof Dr Md Abu Zafar, Chief Executive Officer of the King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation Solaiman Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commissioner of Chandpur Mohammad Mohsin Uddin, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Chandpur Muhammad Abdur Rakib, and a delegation from the Saudi government.