Dhaka: Three passenger vessels of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) - MV Madhumati, MV Rupsa, and MV Sugandha - will be transformed into modern floating hospitals, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit announced today. Muhit stated that the government has initiated the development of 'Shastho Tori' to deliver modern healthcare services directly to marginalized communities living in remote coastal, island, and char areas of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit shared these details while addressing journalists after inspecting the initiative at the BIWTC terminal in Badamtali, Sadarghat. State Minister for Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan was also present during the inspection of the vessels and discussions about their suitability for providing healthcare services and various operational aspects.
Dr. Muhit elaborated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Shipping, has planned to launch these floating hospitals to provide quality medical services to people in coastal, island, and char areas. This initiative aims to offer modern treatment and surgical services for complex yet common diseases in 30 to 40 remote upazilas across at least four to five districts in the southern region.
He emphasized the importance of optimally utilizing government resources, highlighting past successful examples of small-scale floating hospitals through private initiatives. Dr. Muhit noted that an integrated water-based healthcare system under government management, effectively coordinating the existing limited resources and facilities of the shipping and health ministries, could significantly benefit coastal communities.
Dr. Muhit also pointed out that there is substantial demand in rural areas for essential services such as women's healthcare, safe childbirth and postnatal care through midwives, child healthcare, general orthopedic or bone surgery, and cataract operations.
State Minister Razib Ahsan remarked, "It has been our long-standing plan to provide healthcare through alternative means to disadvantaged people living in the remote char areas of Barishal, Noakhali, Bhola, Patuakhali, and Barguna." He emphasized the primary goal of ensuring healthcare access at the doorsteps of people in remote communities who are unable to travel to district hospitals or Dhaka for treatment.
The event was also attended by Health Services Secretary Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid, Medical Education and Family Welfare Secretary A K M Benjamin Riazi, and senior BIWTA officials.