Dhaka:A government initiative is set to invest $130 million over the next five years to enhance eye health services across the country, bringing these vital services directly to people's doorsteps. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit announced this plan at a discussion in the CIRDAP conference room, marking World Sight Day 2026.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the investment will ensure that people in every district and remote area have access to eye care services. The funds will be used to train ophthalmologists, expand infrastructure, and enhance facilities for eye care services. Additionally, the government aims to conduct 10 lakh free cataract surgeries and distribute 1 crore pairs of spectacles nationwide. Primary eye care services will also be extended to cover around 2 crore people.
Dr. Muhit emphasized the government's commitment to making quality eye care services accessible to all. The program will include vision screening for school students, ensuring they receive necessary spectacles and other eye care services. The initiative highlights the government's priority to extend eye health services further and ensure accessibility for all citizens.
The discussion was organized by the INGOs Forum in collaboration with the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH), with NIOH Director Dr. Syeed Mehbub Ul Kadir presiding. Key figures such as Dr. Munir Ahmed, Country Chair of the Bangladesh Chapter of IAPB and Country Director of Orbis International, along with Dr. Md. Tauhidur Rahman and Professor Md Zinnu Rain (Newton) from the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB), attended the event. Dr. Afsana Habib Sheuly from Helen Keller International moderated the discussion.